Flexural Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles: Prediction and Performance

The paper presents flexural analysis of laterally loaded piles considering nonlinear p–y curves and the modulus of elasticity of soil estimated from pressuremeter test data treating the pile as a beam on elastic foundation with the load coming at the top. Solution of the problem using nonlinear p–y curves (as suggested by Menard (1975)) is found using an iterative technique as well as elastic continuum approach (following Poulos and Davis approach). Deflection and bending moments were predicted at some designated points and compared with measured valued as reported in literature. The predicted values of deflection of the pile are generally on the higher side for elastic continuum approach. The deflection values when predicted by using nonlinear p–py curves are either lower or higher than the observed values depending on the rheological coefficient. However, the comparison of the results is found to be reasonable and well within the range of experimental errors.