Behavior of laterally loaded pile groups adjacent to a slope : a numerical study

Abstract EN

The current work comprises of a variety of experiments conducted on single piles and pile groups exposed to static lateral stress.

studies were carried out on single, 2 x 1, and 2 x 3 pile groups with pile spacing 3 times the diameter of each pile (S = 3D).

the model piles analyzed are long concrete piles with L / D ratio of 40.

the piles have length of 10-m and a 25-cm diameter that are anchored in loose sand with relative density DR = 25%.

the numerical model is created to investigate the influence of pile group size on group lateral capability on flat ground and near to an incline (3H : 2V).

the behavior of the pile groups was analyzed using 3-D finite element method (FEM) computer program (Plaxis 3D ver.

21) to simulate the problem.

a comparison was made between the behavior of the group of heaps and the behavior of the single pile.

the behavior of laterally loaded pile groups was shown to be strongly reliant on the orientation of the piles within the group with regards to the applied load direction.

the behavior of pile groups in the presence of a slope is revealed to be dependent on the distance of the lead row of pile groups from the slope crest (B / D) and the positioning of piles in groups related to the load direction.