SEDL / STP / STP835-EB / STP36816S

Simplified Elastic Continuum Applied to the Laterally Loaded Pile Problem—Part 1: Theory

Horvath, JS
Project engineeradjunct associate professor, Woodward-Clyde Consultants, Inc.Columbia University, School of Engineering and Applied Science, New YorkNew York, N.Y.N.Y.

Pages: 10    Published: Jan 1984

Download this paper for $25 PDF (140K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

In 1958, Reissner showed that solving the problem of an elastic continuum subjected to a surface pressure was simplified if certain stress components were assumed to be equal to zero. The particular case he solved was for an isotropic, homogeneous layer of finite thickness. The writer named this the Reissner simplified continuum subgrade model and solved two other cases of Young's modulus varying with depth for a layer of finite thickness. The writer also demonstrated that Winkler's modulus of subgrade reaction model can also be derived using the general approach of applying simplified assumptions to an elastic continuum and studied the behavior of mat foundations on simplified continua. This paper presents the theoretical development of the application of the simplified continuum approach to the laterally loaded pile problem. A subsequent paper will compare results obtained using the simplified continuum approach with other, established methods.