Nonlinear response of laterally loaded rigid piles in sand

This paper investigates nonlinear response of 51 laterally loaded rigid piles in sand. Measured response of each pile test was used to deduce input parameters of modulus of subgrade reaction and the gradient of the linear limiting force profile using elastic-plastic solutions. Normalised load - displacement and/or moment - rotation curves and in some cases bending moment and displacement distributions with depth are provided for all the pile tests, to show the effect of load eccentricity on the nonlinear pile response and pile capacity. The values of modulus of subgrade reaction and the gradient of the linear limiting force profile may be used in the design of laterally loaded rigid piles in sand.