Influence of installation method on static lateral response of displacement piles in sand

Abstract

The influence of the installation method on the static lateral response of displacement piles is presented using the results from reduced-scale field tests on piles in medium dense siliceous sand. In contrast to the importance of the installation method on shaft friction, it is shown that lateral response of piles to static lateral loading is largely insensitive to the installation method. The tests show that the lateral responses of impact-driven piles with different installation frequencies and jacked piles are very similar, while vibro-installed piles exhibit a somewhat stiffer response, reflecting effects of compaction. A comparison of load test results with the predictions obtained from two design methods reveals the suitability of a method that correlates the lateral soil response to the cone penetration test end resistance.