Nonlinear lateral pile deflection prediction in sands

A method has been developed to predict the load-displacement relationship for single piles subjected to lateral load, embedded in sands, considering soil nonlinearity using subgrade reaction. This is the first systematic study to develop lateral load-deflection curves using modulus degradation with strain. Based on the analysis of 14 full-scale lateral pile-load tests, an empirical equation of modulus degradation with strain and a range of k(h max) values, i.e., k(h) at 0.002 strain at 1 m (3.28 fe) depth, has also been proposed. An example problem is included to demonstrate its use. Based on this method, the computed load deflections have been compared with the observed ones and with those based on p-y analysis. This method shows promise over the p-y solutions and predicts upper- and lower-bound load-deflection curves, which are valuable guides to making informed engineering decisions.