Non-linear response of pile groups under static lateral load on sloping ground

Abstract

Single-pile and pile-group arrangements on stable ground were investigated to assess the pile performance on natural or man-made slopes depending on the requirements. A laboratory study under 1g conditions was carried on a 1V:2H (V: Vertical, H: Horizontal) slope with two shear strengths (30 and 50 kPa) with consideration to three pile positions (crest, 1R, and 2R, where R is the relative stiffness factor), and the results were compared with those obtained on horizontal ground. The maximum capacity reduction for a pile group with spacing equal to three times the diameter on soil with shear strength of 30 kPa was 19.6%, 40%, and 53.2% when the pile group was placed at the crest, 1R, and 2R positions, respectively. When the pile was moved from the embankment to the slope side, the maximum bending moment increased as the passive wedge became smaller. A load ratio equation is proposed to calculate the reduced lateral capacity as the pile group moves toward the slope. The p–y curve provides a broader perspective with regard to the lateral resistance of the pile group under the considered conditions.