Nonlinear Analysis of Single Model Piles Subjected to Lateral Load in Sloping Ground

Abstract

Uncertainty associated due to soil-pile interface and unreliable assessment of the pile bearing capacity constructed in sloping ground have been cited as barriers to the wide utilizations of the deep foundations in sloping ground. Extensive studies were conducted concerning the failure mechanism of laterally loaded piles penetrated in horizontal ground. However, the number of studies regarding the pile in sloping ground is scarce in literatures. In this research, a detailed of numerical modelling using Winkler theory is discussed on the basis of finite element and experimental tests for models input parameters to examine the behaviour of the model piles penetrated in sandy soil subjected to lateral load. An Aluminium of open-ended model piles were utilized embedded in dense dry sloping sand of 1.5 horizontal to 1 vertical (1.5H: 1V). Three piles aspect's ratio of (18, 24 and 30) were selected to examine the behaviour of both flexible and rigid pile. The results revealed that lateral soil stiffness, effective passive wedge, flexural rigidity, EI, pile slenderness’ ratio (lc/d) and sand morphology as confirmed by scanning electronic microscopy, SEM observation play a key-role on the factors effecting the pile capacity and its lateral response.