Influence of vertical load on lateral response of pile in clayey deposit considering Winkler model using FEM

ABSTRACT This paper presents a new coupled approach to incorporate the effect of vertical load on lateral response of pile in clay, by considering both the lateral and vertical strain of the soil-pile system. Experimental and numerical studies on pile subjected to combined loading carried out by different researchers showed that coupling behaviour cannot be modelled using Beams on Winkler foundation or subgrade reaction approach and use of continuum modelling is essential. However, in this present study an is made to develop a method using FEM by utilizing both the lateral and vertical strain of soil-pile system. The proposed coupled method is capable of simulating the influence of vertical load on lateral response of pile in clayey deposit much more realistically compared to uncoupled method. However, this coupling effect is more prominent for pile subjected to a vertical load equal to ultimate pile capacity (Vu), compared to pile under a load equal to allowable pile capacity (Vall).