ISSN: 0149-6115
Page Count: 8

Centrifuge Testing of Vertically Loaded Battered Pile Groups in Sand

Zhang, L
Research associate,University of Florida,FL,

McVay, MC
Professor,University of Florida,FL,

Lai, P
Assistant state geotechnical engineer,Structures Design Office, Florida Department of Transportation,FL,

Abstract

Vertical load tests were carried out on 3 by 3 and 4 by 4 fixed head battered pile groups on a centrifuge. These tests simulated 0.43-m-wide by 13.7-m-long square piles founded in loose (Dr = 36%) and medium dense (Dr = 55%) sands at three-diameter spacing. The axial load and shear in each pile were measured during the tests. Numerical analysis was also carried out to predict the battered pile behavior using a coupled bridge foundation-superstructure finite element code (FLPIER). It was found that the vertical capacity of a battered pile group was slightly larger than that of a corresponding plumb pile group. The shear forces and bending moments in battered piles induced by design vertical loads were approximately one third of the ultimate lateral capacity.

Keywords:
centrifuge test, battered pile group, plumb pile group, finite element method

Paper ID: GTJ11367J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ11367J
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