Finite Element Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles in Clays

This study presents a finite element model for analysis of laterally loaded piles in medium stiff clay using ABAQUS program. Three dimensional (3-D) continuum elements are used for both pile and soil elements. The interaction between the pile and the soil is modelled by using contact surfaces. Frictional behavior between the pile and the soil is considered in order to model the gap formation and sliding behavior between the pile and the soil. The response of the pile is presented in terms of the head deflection of the pile, bending moments, shear forces, deflections along the length of the pile, the gap formation between the pile and the soil, the p-y curves and the stress and displacement distribution within the pile-soil system. The study showed that the ultimate lateral pile capacity increases with the increase in soil shear strength, the L/d ratio and the pile diameter. For the cases considered, the maximum bending moment occurs at a depth of 0.12L to 0.18L.