Non-linear Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles Using "p-y" Curves

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the behavior of a monopile under lateral loading. Specifically, this work focuses on the examination of the static stiffness coefficients of a monopile vertically embedded in a homogeneous or multilayer soil of random geometry and random mechanical properties. To solve the problem, a semi-analytical, closed form solution is developed, based on Winkler's theory. In this model, simulation of the mechanical behavior of the soil is achieved via non-linear p-y springs positioned along the axis of the pile, in conjunction with shape functions which describe the lateral movement of the pile. By iterative application of the proposed method the lateral stiffness coefficients at the pile head are calculated with satisfactory accuracy. The results of the proposed method converge satisfactory enough with real data and other theoretical results coming from sophisticated numerical analysis methods.