Centrifuge Testing of Vertically Loaded Battered Pile Groups in Sand

Abstract

Vertical load tests were carried out on 3 by 3 and 4 by 4 fixed head battered pile groups on a centrifuge. These tests simulated 0.43-m-wide by 13.7-m-long square piles founded in loose (Dr = 36%) and medium dense (Dr = 55%) sands at three-diameter spacing. The axial load and shear in each pile were measured during the tests. Numerical analysis was also carried out to predict the battered pile behavior using a coupled bridge foundation-superstructure finite element code (FLPIER). It was found that the vertical capacity of a battered pile group was slightly larger than that of a corresponding plumb pile group. The shear forces and bending moments in battered piles induced by design vertical loads were approximately one third of the ultimate lateral capacity.