A modified p–y model of single pile in coral sand under lateral load

Abstract

This study addressed the characteristics of lateral pile–soil interactions in coral sand foundation using a series of direct shear, triaxial, and model pile tests. Through the comprehensive analysis of the stress state of the coral sand around pile, it was found that the soil resistance is mainly dominated by frontal squeezing resistance. Accordingly, the framework of the modified p–y model was determined, namely the function type, exponents of depth term, and the mark of entering the plastic state. The modified p–y model adopts a normalized dimensionless form, and it is composed of the first nonlinear segment represented by the power function and the plastic state at large displacements represented by a straight line. The final p–y model was calibrated using the results of the model pile test. Subsequently, the validity of the modified p–y model was verified by the experimental results of this study and other researchers. The soil reactions and pile responses predicted by the modified p–y model were in a reasonable agreement with the measured data. Finally, the modified p–y model was compared with the existing p–y models, thus confirming its rationality and applicability.