Experimental and finite element research of laterally loaded pile

Abstract

Piles have been widely used for supporting axial and lateral loads for a variety of civil engineering structures such as high rise buildings, transmission lines, bridge piers and port structures. In many cases, lateral loads govern the design of piles. Piles are commonly used to support bridge structures, tall buildings, transmission line towers etc. where poor subsoil conditions are encountered. To suit the various types of structures and their loading conditions, piles of different types, shapes and sizes are being used in practice, the safety of these structures mainly depends on the ability of supporting piles to resist large amount of lateral forces. These lateral forces may be due to the action of wind in case of onshore structures and due to combination of wind and wave action in case of offshore structures. In case of coastal structures, there are additional berthing forces.