Numerical solution for the laterally loaded rigid piles considering resisting force and moment under combined loadings

Abstract

A numerical method is first proposed for the response of laterally loaded rigid piles under lateral load based on the curved strain wedge model. The influence of shear displacement of the pile, resistance bending moment caused by the uneven vertical shear stress on the pile side and resistance force and bending moment at the pile bottom are all considered. The effect of the vertical load on the lateral response of the monopile foundation is then analyzed according to the practical fact that the piles are always subjected to combined loads. The vertical friction force on the pile side is derived by combining vertical load and horizontal bending of the pile, and the resistance force at the pile bottom is determined by both vertical load and pile self–weight. The effect of P–Δ on the pile foundation caused by the vertical load is also considered. Several field tests are used to verify the reasonableness and accuracy of the proposed method. The influencing factors are studied. The results show that the vertical load has a favorable effect on the lateral response of the pile in frictional soil and almost no effect on the lateral response of the pile in frictionless soil.