Statistical evaluation of lateral interpretation criteria for flexible pre-bored PC piles in drained soils

Xing-Ji Wang , Yit-Jin Chen , Mary Abigail Jos , Anjerick Topacio

Abstract

This study evaluates the lateral capacity of flexible pre-bored precast concrete (PC) piles under drained soil conditions by employing various representative interpretation criteria. A database comprising 15 field lateral load tests in Taiwan was analyzed to investigate the relationships and reliability among various displacement, rotation, and graphical-based interpretation methods. Results show that the mean interpreted Q/QH ratios for displacement and rotation-based methods range from 0.20 to 0.80, increasing with larger movements. For graphical methods, the ratios are QS&W/QH = 0.42 and QL/QH = 0.59, with standard deviations and coefficients of variation comparable to other criteria. The QL method provided the most reasonable and consistent evaluation of both capacity and displacement, corresponding closely to the load at 20 mm or 3% of the pile diameter. Regression analysis identified Q10%B as the most reliable predictor, with a high coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.92). Overall, pre-bored PC piles exhibited higher normalized lateral capacities than drilled shafts and driven piles. The findings provide practical guidance for the consistent interpretation and design of flexible pre-bored PC piles under lateral loading.

Key Words

lime; coir fibers; maximum dry density; aspect ratio; unconfined compressive strength.

Address

Xing-Ji Wang, Yit-Jin Chen, Mary Abigail Jos — Department of Civil Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taiwan
Anjerick Topacio — Department of Civil, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite, Cavite, Philippines

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