Predicted and Measured Response of Precast Concrete Piles under Lateral Load

 

J. Kent Hsiao

Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois
hsiao@engr.siu.edu

Sanjeev Kumar

Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois
Kumars@ce.siu.edu

ABSTRACT

Precast concrete piles are often used to support heavy structures. In addition to vertical compressive loads, these piles are subjected to significant lateral loads. Therefore, prediction of lateral load-deflection response of precast concrete piles is of significant interest to structural and geotechnical engineers. Prediction of lateral behavior of pile foundation is complicated due to the fact that the soil reaction is dependent on the pile movement and the pile movement is dependent on the soil response. Non-linear behavior of soils and concrete makes the problem even more complicated. Several methods and computer programs are available to analyze the piles under lateral loads. This paper presents the results of predictions made on four, precast reinforced concrete piles which were constructed using coal combustion products. Predictions are compared with the measured data on all four piles. All piles analyzed are 12x12 inch square piles. The results presented show that assumption of completely uncracked section or cracked section may not be realistic.

Keywords: Precast Concrete, Pile Foundations, Nonlinear Behavior, Lateral Load Prediction

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