Movements of Rigid Piles under Eccentric and Inclined Loads in Sand and Clay

Abstract

The movement of single rigid solid vertical model piles and pile groups under eccentric, inclined as well as axial and horizontal loads are experimentally investigated. From displacements of single piles in sand and clay the vertical and horizontal secant moduli of soil are evaluated by relationships based on elastic theory. It is found that changes in the loading eccentricity cause induced anisotropy in sand. The values of secant moduli of sand and clay from pile tests are compared with the values obtained from laboratory plate bearing tests. The ratio of vertical to horizontal secant moduli of sand agrees well with the value of the same from triaxial tests reported elsewhere. The ratios of secant moduli to the undrained shear strength of clay also lie within the range of values given by other sources. Effects of grouping of piles on movements are analyzed by displacement and rotational ratios determined from tests. These ratios are compared with their experimental values given by Oda (1972). The method of pile installation and soil density are found to have significant influence on the displacement and rotation ratios from pile tests conducted in sand.