Behaviour of flexible piles under inclined loads

Abstract

The lateral soil pressures, bending moments, pile displacements at ground surface, and bearing capacity of instrumented vertical single flexible model piles in homogeneous loose sand and soft clay under central inclined loads have been investigated. The results of these load tests are compared with theoretical estimates based on the concept of an effective embedment depth of equivalent rigid piles. Reasonable agreement has been found between the observed and predicted behaviour of flexible piles. The analyses are also compared with the results of some field case records. Key words: bending moments, clay, displacements, inclined loads, instrumentation, lateral soil pressure, model test, pile, sand.