Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles in Sloping Ground

Abstract

The load transfer mechanism for a laterally loaded pile is complex when it is located on the sloping ground. Though the field test is the best option for investigating the pile response for varying slope angles, it may not be cost-effective always. The computer simulation of numerical model can be an economical way to analyze the pile–soil interaction of laterally loaded piles in sloping ground. Therefore, in the present investigation, a computer program based on a three-dimensional finite element analysis is developed to evaluate the response of laterally loaded piles embedded in sloping ground. A detailed parametric study is carried out to investigate the effect of slope of the ground on the deflection and the bending moment along the pile length. The results show that the pile top displacement and bending moment in the pile increase with increasing slope angle. A comparison of the results is also made with the case of laterally loaded piles in horizontal ground, based on which a relationship is developed to predict the pile top displacement and maximum bending moment in the pile for a given slope angle using their values for the horizontal ground case.