| Lateral loads are often a controlling factor in the design of pile groups. These loads may be applied in a variety of ways including wave and wind action, impact, lateral earth and water pressures, vehicle acceleration and braking, and earthquake motions. These loads may be as great in magnitude as the axial loads supported by the foundation. In the past, designers have used prescribed values for lateral resistance, or when vertical piles alone were thought to be inadequate, battered piles were added.;The objective of this research was to develop dimensionless design curves that may be incorporated into a new empirical design method. To this end, the response of a 1 x 5 model pile group, subjected to cyclic lateral loading, was recorded. The data were reduced and design curves were produced for the maximum bending moment in the lead pile and the deflection of the pile tops. Data are also presented showing the moment distribution in individual piles for different rows and cycles and load distribution between piles. P-y curves and p-multipliers are also developed. A secondary objective was to make comparisons between the actual measured values and those predicted by the program Florida Pier. The predicted values compared well to the measured values and are presented in graphical form. |
