ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 9

Determination of P-Y Curves Using Inclinometer Data

Brown, DA
Assistant professor, Auburn University, AL

Hidden, SA
Project engineer, Ground Engineering and Testing Service, Inc., Huntsville, AL

Zhang, S
Graduate student, Auburn University, AL

Abstract

Derivation of p-y curves from lateral load tests on deep foundations is a tedious and expensive task, requiring large numbers of strain gages along the length of the pile to develop bending moment versus depth relationships. A method is proposed which allows derivation of p-y curves from simple inclinometer data using a least-squares regression technique. Inclinometer measurements can and have been routinely made on lateral load tests of piles and drilled shafts. The method outlined in this paper provides a means of “calibrating” p-y curves using data from tests where only inclinometer data are available and promises to allow a substantial improvement in the database of load tests from which the empirical p-y curves used in design are based.

Keywords:
piles, lateral loads, load tests, p-y curves, instrumentation

Paper ID: GTJ10087J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10087J
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