Investigation of a cyclic laterally loaded model pile group

Robb E.S. Moss, Utah State University
Joseph A. Caliendo, Utah State University
Loren R. Anderson, Utah State University

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0267-7261(98)00003-7. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Robb Moss was affiliated with Utah State University - Logan, UT. Currently, August 2008, he is Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.

Abstract

In certain regions of the world, designing deep foundations to withstand seismic loading is a reality. Seismic loading of structures and foundations reaches its most critical state as a cyclic lateral force. The response of soils and foundations to repetitive lateral forces is highly complex, relegating most design methods to be based upon overly conservative rules-of-thumb. The primary objective of this research was to analyze the mechanics of seismic loading on pile groups in clay soils. To achieve this a model testing facility was constructed to house a fully instrumented 1 X 5 model pile group that was subjected to cyclic lateral loading. An empirically based method for pile group design is suggested based upon the results generated from model pile group testing.