CPT-based dynamic p-y analysis method for seismic design of piles embedded in clay

In this study, a dynamic p-y curve method for the seismic design of laterally loaded pile in clay was proposed focusing on the direct application of the cone penetration test (CPT) result. Key motivation of this study was to fully utilize the continuous and in-situ profiling capability of CPT, which was particularly effective for multi-layered, heterogeneous soil conditions and offshore environment. The exerted dynamic load response of pile was expressed and obtained by introducing the static stiffness and damping of clay into the dynamic p-y curve function, both formulated as a function of the cone resistance. The proposed CPT-based dynamic p-y curve function was employed in the pseudo-static analysis based on an equivalent static-load approach. A calculation algorithm was prepared to implement the proposed method, following the procedure of the pseudo-static analysis. Case examples were selected, including centrifuge tests and field load tests, and adopted to compare measured and predicted dynamic pile load responses. The compared results of the case examples confirmed that the proposed method was effective and beneficial for the seismic design of piles in clay.