Performance functions for laterally loaded single concrete piles in homogeneous clays

A key parameter in the design of a laterally loaded pile is the determination of its performance level. Performance level of a pile is usually expressed as the maximum head deflection and bending moment. In general, uncertainties in the performance of a pile originates from many factors such as inherent variability of soil properties, inadequate soil exploration programs, errors taking place in the determination of soil parameters, limited calculation models as well as uncertainties in loads. This makes it difficult for practicing engineers to decide for the reliability of laterally loaded piles both in cohesive and cohesionless soils. In this paper, limit state functions and consequent performance functions are obtained for single concrete piles to predict the maximum bending moment, a widely accepted design criterion along with the permissible pile head displacement. Analyses were made utilizing three dimensional finite element method and soil-structure-interaction (SSI) effects were accounted for.