Physical modelling of pile groups subjected to lateral soil movements

The behavior of rigid pile groups subjected to lateral soil movements by vertical surcharge loading was investigated by centrifuge model testing. The aim of this paper was to examine the time-related response of pile groups with varying soft clay layer depth and increasing embankment height. In these studies, it is noted that the most important aspect of this form of piled structures is pile bending moment: front and rear row piles showed different pile behavior in according to the clay layer depth and the rate of embankment construction. It is found that the lateral earth pressure on piles is closely related to the degree of consolidation which is dominated by the rate of embankment construction. Existing design criteria for piled foundations showed relatively good agreement with centrifuge test results.