Study the Behavior of Pile Group Under Torsional and Horizontal Load

Many structures are subjected to torsional and horizontal loads in addition to vertical load lead that the foundation of these structures may be collapsed. The proposed model for pile groups consists of an elastic beam-column that represents the pile, rigid cap and nonlinear spring to simulate the soil. In the horizontal direction, the p-y curve method is used to calculate the subgrade reaction of soil while the τ-0 curve method and the load transfer method are used in the vertical direction. The effect of pile group and load coupling is considered by the p multiplier method in the pile head. A parametric study is carried out under the combined action for horizontal and torsional loads. The study shows that unequal shear force distribution in the head of piles is very significant. The axial force variation in each pile with different length is obtained. The study is very important to take into account the design pile group under combined loads. (paper)