Simplified procedure for analysis of laterally loaded single piles and pile groups

Abstract

Current methods for designing pile groups for lateral loading require a computer program or extensive manual computations. This research presents a spreadsheet- or calculator-amenable approach for estimating lateral deflections and maximum moments in single piles and pile groups. The approach for single piles is an extension of the characteristic load method, used for predicting deflections and moments when the pile top is at the ground surface. The proposed method applies to embedded fixed-head piles, which represents most practical situations. The resulting lateral deflections and moments are less due to the increased embedment. A simplified procedure to estimate group deflections and moments was also developed. Termed the Group Amplification Method (GAM), group amplification factors are introduced to amplify the single pile deflection and bending moment to reflect group effects. This approach provides good agreement with other generally accepted analytical tools and with values measured in load tests on groups of fixed-head piles.