Wong Jia Jun
Metric No: BK10110310
Topic: Laterally Loaded Piles – FEM Analysis and Model Tests
Abstract: Piles are designed for lateral loads due to wind action, ground movement, wave action, impact of ship and so on. Therefore, it is of importance to determine the lateral load resistance capacity of pile foundation. In this study, the lateral load resistance is investigated by conducting finite element method (FEM) analysis and model test. The foundation medium used is sandy soil. A series of laboratory tests, such as sieve analysis, specific gravity test, direct shear test, standard proctor compaction test and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test are conducted to determine the relevant soil parameters. The model pile is a single pile with square and circular cross-sectional area with different diameter or width and length. The pile diameters or widths (D) considered are 8 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm and the pile lengths (L) considered are 200 mm, 250 mm, and 300 mm. Lateral loads are applied in the single pile by a lateral load model test. The pile is deflected due to the lateral load. Also, Plaxis 3D Foundation is used to create finite element model to determine its deflection under lateral load. Finally, the lateral deflection of pile obtained by experiment and the lateral deflection of pile obtained by FEM analysis are compared to determine the validity in estimating the lateral deflection using FEM software. The effects of diameter, embedded length, and shape of pile on lateral load capacity are investigated.