| This study presents the theoretical formulation and numerical investigations of sensitivity analysis of laterally loaded piles embedded in soft clay located below the water table. Single piles with various lengths and boundaries subjected to cyclic lateral forces and bending moments are analyzed. The groups of 3 x 3 piles with various spacing (2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D) are also analyzed in this study. For single piles, the pile structure is considered as one-dimensional beam and the supporting soft clay is defined by means of p-y model. For groups of piles, the pile members are considered as one-dimensional beams and the pile cap is considered as plate finite elements. The behaviour of a pile-soil-pile system in the pile group is simulated by means of p-y relationship modified by the fm factor that is dependent on the spacing of the groups of piles and the location of the pile member in a group of piles. The pile stiffness and characteristics of soil p-y relationship are taken as the design variables. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
