Lateral Load-Deflection Prediction for Pile Groups

A simple method of predicting the load-deflection behavior of a laterally loaded pile group is developed by combining a non linear load-deflection analysis for a single pile with an elastic analysis of pile groups. The parameters most influencing the prediction are the soil modulus and the ultimate lateral load of a pile in the group, H_u. The soil modulus may be backfigured from a lateral load test on a single pile and a method of interpretation of the test is described. The lateral load capacity of an isolated single pile also may be estimated and by multiplying this value by a lateral group efficiency factor, H_ur may be determined. A number of comparisons between the observed and predicted load-deflection behavior of model pile groups, show good agreement and suggest that the proposed method is capable of providing satisfactory load-deflection predictions for laterally loaded pile groups, provided appropriate values of soil modulus and H_ur can be input into the analysis.