Deformation and Load-Bearing Characteristics of Step-Tapered Piles in Clay under Lateral Load
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 19, Issue 6
Abstract
The step-tapered pile foundation is a relatively new structure. For this reason, current literature on step-tapered piles is still not systematic or comprehensive. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to carry out tests and theoretical research on the deformation and load-bearing characteristics of step-tapered piles. The research presented in this paper analyzed the deformation and load-bearing characteristics of step-tapered piles under lateral load using physical model tests and theoretical analysis. A total of four model piles were adapted for the test. The tensile and compressive strengths of the piles were measured, and corresponding load and deflection curves were obtained. Meanwhile, a computational program was developed to simulate and model variable cross-section piles. The internal force and displacement curves of piles under lateral stress at different positions of variable cross-section and stress boundary conditions at the pile top were theoretically calculated using this program. The results from the model test and theoretical analysis were compared and showed good consistency. The results indicated that a step-tapered pile is highly effective at resisting lateral loads. It is most effective when the enlarged pile section is between 33.3 and 46.7% of the total pile length.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported in part by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (Grants 51568021 and 41672290).
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 19 • Issue 6 • June 2019
Copyright
© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 11, 2018
Accepted: Dec 3, 2018
Published online: Apr 10, 2019
Published in print: Jun 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Sep 10, 2019
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