Influence of Group Configuration on the Lateral Pile Group Response Subjected to Lateral Load

Jasim M Abbas
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Dyiala University, Iraq Ph D Candidate, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, UKM, Malaysia; e-mail: jasimalshamary@yahoo.com

Zamri Chik
Associate professor, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, UKM, Malaysia; e-mail: irzamri@vlsi.eng.ukm.my

Mohd Raihan Taha

Professor, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, UKM, Malaysia e-mail: drmrt@vlsi.eng.ukm.my

ABSTRACT
This paper presents the numerical studies on the lateral behavior of pile group foundations for different group configurations subjected to lateral load. In this study, used three pile group configurations (i.e. 2x1, 2x2 and 3x2 pile groups) with four values of pile spacing (i.e. 2D, 4D, 6D and 8D). Results of the influence of group configuration, pile spacing as well as load intensities is discussed in terms of response of load vs. lateral displacement, soil resistance and corresponding p-y relationship. It can be observed that, the group configurations is largely affected on the lateral pile displacement and ultimate soil resistance for same amount of lateral load KEYWORDS: Pile group, group configuration, lateral response, finite element method.

INTRODUCTION
Lateral pile response of single isolated pile is important to understand and predict as reported by a number of researchers. However, pile group is equally important to investigate because generally the pile group consisting of a number of piles instills close proximity to one another (Poulos & Davis 1980 and Bowles 1988). These close piles are usually fixed on the top and near to ground surface by pile cap. Therefore, additional researches are needed to find the effect of group configurations on the lateral pile response within group.

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Since the pile is always found within a group, therefore the new challenge will surface; one of these main facts is the group interaction effect (Zhang et al. 1999, Patra & Pise 2001, Zhang 2003, Ashour et al. 2004, Rollins et al. 2005 & 2006 and Chandrasekaran et al. 2009). As closely spaced pile groups move laterally, the failure zones for front or trailing rows piles overlap with leading row piles and decrease lateral resistance as shown in Figure 1. The tendency for a pile in a trailing row to exhibit less lateral resistance due to location behind another pile is commonly referred to as pile-soil-pile interaction or the group interaction effect. Group interaction effects would be expected to become less significant as the spacing between piles increased.

Leading row

Overlapping (shadow) stress zone

2nd Trailing row

Soil gapping

Trailing row

Pile

Direction of loading Figure 1: Illustrated of reduction in lateral pile resistance due to pile-pile interface (Rolline et al. 1998 and Ashour et al. 2004) In this paper, undertakes the analysis of pile-soil-pile system on the lateral pile group response subjected to lateral load. The piles are simulated by means linear elastic model, soil is modeled using Mohr-Coulomb relationship and the interface is represented using 16 nodes interface element. The effect of pile group configuration on the lateral pile group response for three configurations (Gr 2x1, 2x2 and 3x2) is be detailed in this paper.

IDEALIZED MODEL
Figure 2 shows 3D views of an idealized prototype of pile group with vertical pile diameter, D, length L and group dimensions (LGrxWGr). The pile group configuration of single row of pile (2 x 1), square (2 x 2) pile group and rectangular (3 x 2) pile group. It is assumed that the pile head is within the ground surface elevation. The surrounded soil is assumed to be homogenous saturated represented both cohesionless and cohesive soil. The pile cap assumed rigid, therefore

every pile carry equal amount of load. In addition, it is assumed that no pile cap resistance is present on the applied load (i.e. only distributing the loads to the piles head).
H
z

H/2 H/2 cap x y H/4

H/4 H/4 cap

H/4

pile

pile

(a) H/6 H/6

(b) H/6 H

x z y

H/6 cap

H/6

H/6

pile

(c)

Figure 2: Pile group configurations used in this study, (a) single row of pile (2 x 1), (b) square (2 x 2) pile group and (c) rectangular (3 x 2) pile group

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analysis consists of modeling of single pile and pile cap using linear-elastic model with 15-node wedge elements. The cross-section of the pile is circle with a diameter of 1.0m and length of 15m. The baseline soil parameters used for the analysis of laterally loaded pile group are illustrated in Table 1. Two types of soil are used in the analysis. Finite element analyses were performed using the software PLAXIS 3D FOUNDATION. In the finite element method a continuum is divided into a number of (volume) elements. Each element consists of a number of nodes. Each node has a number of degrees of freedom that correspond to discrete values of the unknowns in the boundary value problem to be solved. - 763 -

Vol. 15 [2010], Bund. G Table 1: Soil parameters for analysis of pile group Parameter Unit Cohesionless soil 3 Unit weight, kN/m 20.0 Youngs modulus, E MPa 1.3 x104 Poissons ratio, 0.3 Cohesion intercept, c 0.1 Angle of internal friction, 30

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Cohesive soil 18.0 1.0x104 0.35 5.0 25

Analyses were performed with several trail meshes with increasing mesh refinement until the displacement changes very minimal with more refinement. The aspect ratio of elements used in the mesh is small close to the pile body and near to the pile cap and piles bases. All the nodes of the lateral boundaries (right and bottom of Figures 3) are restrained from moving in the normal direction to the respective surface. The predicted results from the three-dimensional finite element simulation are compared with that outcome from the single isolated pile in the same typical condition. The outer boundaries of soil body of cubic shape are extended 10D in the sides and 5D in the bottom of pile group. 3D view for the finite element mash of pile groups and surrounded soil mass are shown in Figure 3. The outer dimensions of pile cap are depending on the pile group arrangement. The finite element simulation includes the following constitutive relationships for pile, surrounded soil and interface element Structural Members Model: The use of the linear elastic model may, however, be considered to model massive structures in the soil or bedrock layers such as piles. This model represents Hooke's law of isotropic linear elasticity used for modeling the stress-strain relationship of the pile material. The model involves two elastic stiffness parameters, namely the effective Young's modulus, E', and the effective Poisson's ratio, '. It is primarily used for modeling of stiff structural member for example piles in the soil (Brinkgreve and Broere, 2004). Soil Model: The surrounded soil is represented by Mohr-Coulomb model. This elasto-plastic model is based on soil parameters that are known in most practical situations. The model involves two main parameters, namely the cohesion intercept, c and the friction angle, . In addition three parameters namely Young's modulus, E, Poisson's ratio, , and the dilatancy angle, are needed to calculate the complete behavior. The failure envelope as referred by Potts & Zdravkocic (1999) and Johnson et al (2006) only depend on the principal stresses (1, 3), and is independent of the intermediate principle stress (2). Interface Elements Model: Interfaces are modeled as 16-node interface elements. Interface elements consist of eight pairs of nodes, compatible with the 8-noded quadrilateral side of a soil element. Along degenerated soil elements, interface elements are composed of six node pairs, compatible with the triangular side of the degenerated soil element. Each interface has a virtual thickness assigned to it which is an imaginary dimension used to obtain the stiffness properties of the interface. The virtual thickness is defined as the virtual thickness factor times the average element size.

Single pile x 20D Soil mass Soil mass

Group of 2-piles

15-nodes wedge element

20D Soil mass Soil mass

15-nodes wedge element

20D

20D+s

Group of 4-piles

Group of 6-piles

20D Soil mass Soil mass

20D 15-nodes wedge element Soil mass Soil mass

15-nodes wedge element

20D+s

20D+2s

Figure 3: Three-dimensional view of the finite element mesh for the single pile and (2,4 and 6-piles) pile groups and surrounding soil mass

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The observation includes the study of lateral pile responses (i.e. lateral pile displacement and lateral soil pressure) and corresponding p-y relationship under pure lateral load. Two types of soil were used (i.e. cohesionless and cohesive soil). Lateral load intensity ranged H = (5-45) {w D3}. In addition, four pile spacing were also used (2D, 4D, 6D and 8D). All these parameters were applied on three pile groups (i.e. 2x1, 2x2 and 3x2 groups). Effect of group configuration on the response of lateral load vs. lateral pile displacement, lateral soil pressure and corresponding p-y curve is shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6.

Lateral pile displacement with depth

One of the main important factors affecting the lateral behavior of pile is its lateral displacement for pile under lateral loading. One main criterion that should be satisfied is the pile should save against lateral deflection (Abbas et. al. 2010). Figure 4 shows the lateral deformation of the pile with depth in both types of soil. For two types of soil can show the group configuration effect on the lateral pile displacement shape against pile depth which include the maximum tip deflection and point of rotation at L/D of 2.0. In general, it can observed that the lateral pile displacement of pile group (all pile spacing) almost less than the results obtained from assessment of single isolated pile as shown in Figures 4. It can be notice, for the same magnitude of lateral load of 450kN, group interaction obtained increased in lateral pile displacement. This conclusion was also supported by Brown et al. (1988), - 765 -

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Rollins et al. (1998, 2005 & 2006). It seems that for the pile spacing less than 6D, result in a large lateral deflection of a pile group under applied load due to group high group interaction affect, this also supported by (Zhang & Small 2001). The values of the lateral pile displacement observed closed with those obtained from the analysis of single isolated pile when the pile spacing high (i.e. s=8D).

Lateral soil pressure with depth

A key element in the design of laterally loaded piles is the determinations of ultimate lateral resistance that can be exerted by soil against the pile particularly the ultimate soil pressure which occurred in the middle of the pile (Abbas 2009 and 2010). The ultimate soil resistance versus depth for four different pile spacing is shown in Figure 5. It can seem that the difference in ultimate soil resistance for same amount of lateral load (i.e.450kN) due to the effect of group configuration is significant. The ultimate soil resistance of laterally loaded piles decreases significantly with pile spacing increase (Brown et al. 1988 and Rollins et al. 1998, 2005 & 2006). It can seems also that the values of first trailing row significantly more than the values observed from the leading row which also found by Brown et. al. (1988). This is possibly due to the group interaction more effect on the trailing rows. The values of the lateral soil pressure observed closed with those obtained from the analysis of single isolated pile when the pile spacing high (i.e. s = 8D).

Predicted p-y curve

The influence of the group configuration on the predicted p-y curve for four pile spacing is illustrated in Figure 6. This curve represents both of lateral pile displacement and corresponding lateral soil pressure. These two parameters are more important keys used in the design of laterally loaded pile (Abbas, 2009). The predicted p-y curve evaluated at depth of 3m, because this depth have the maximum ultimate lateral soil pressure. It can be observed that signification high different on the p-y curve of closed pile group (i.e. s = 2D), this due to increase of lateral pile displacement and loss on the lateral soil pressure. It can seem that the pile within leading row has significant closed values with that obtained from single isolated pile. This is due to reduce on the group action on the leading row unlike the piles within other rows (i.e. trailing row). The event was also reported by Brown et al. (1988) and Rollins et al. (1998, 2005 & 2006).

CONCLUSION
Important findings drawn from this investigation on the behavior of laterally loaded pile groups are summarized as follows: 1. The lateral pile displacement of pile group (all pile spacing) almost less than the results obtained from assessment of single isolated pile. For the pile spacing less than 6D, result in a large lateral deflection of a pile group under applied load

2. The pile group configuration makes differences in ultimate soil resistance for same amount of lateral load. The values of first trailing row significantly more than the values observed from the leading row. 3. The pile within leading row has significant closed values with that obtained from single isolated pile. Signification high different on the p-y curve of closed pile group (i.e. s=2D).

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15

12

12

Pile depth (L/D)

0 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 Lateral pile displacement ( /D)

0 -0.02 -0.02 -0.01 -0.01 0 0.005 Lateral pile displacement ( /D)

(a)
15 15

12

12

Pile depth (L/D)

-0.1

0 -0.05 0 0.05 Lateral pile displacement ( /D)

0 -0.15 -0.1 -0.05 0 0.05 Lateral pile displacement ( /D)

(b) Trailing row Leading row

Single isolated pile Gr 2x1, s=4D Gr 2x1, s=8D Gr 2x2, s=4D Gr 2x2, s=8D Gr 3x2, s=4D
0 -0.12 -0.1 15

Gr 2x1, s=2D Gr 2x1, s=6D Gr 2x2, s=2D Gr 2x2, s=6D Gr 3x2, s=2D Gr 3x2, s=6D

12

Gr 3x2, s=8D

-0.08

-0.06

-0.04

- 0.02

0.02

Lat eral pile displacement ( / D)

Figure 3: Influence of group configuration on the lateral pile displacement with depth,

Pile depth (L/D)

Pile depth (L/D)

(a) cohesionless soil and (b) cohesive soil

15 15

12

12

Pile depth (L/D)

Pile depth (L/D) -100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 Lateral soil pressure ( kN/m2 )

0 -100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 Lateral soil pressure ( kN/m2 )

(a)
15 15

12

12

Pile depth (L/D)

Pile depth (L/D) -200 -150 -100 -50 0 Lateral soil pressure ( kN/m2 )

0 -150 -100 -50 0 Lateral soil pressure ( kN/m2 )

(b) Trailing row Leading row

Single isolated pile Gr 2x1, s=4D Gr 2x1, s=8D Gr 2x2, s=4D Gr 2x2, s=8D Gr 3x2, s=4D
0 -0.12 -0.1 15

Gr 2x1, s=2D Gr 2x1, s=6D Gr 2x2, s=2D Gr 2x2, s=6D Gr 3x2, s=2D Gr 3x2, s=6D

12

Gr 3x2, s=8D

-0.08

-0.06

-0.04

- 0.02

0.02

Lat eral pile displacement ( / D)

Figure 4: Influence of group configuration on the lateral soil pressure with depth, (a) cohesionless soil and (b) cohesive soil - 769 -

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100 90 80 70 p ( kN/m2 ) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 0.002 0.004 y/D 0.006 0.008
p ( kN/m2 ) 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 0.002 0.004 y/D 0.006

770

0.008

(a)
140 120 100 p ( kN/m2 ) 80 60 40 20 0 0 0.005 0.01 0.015 y/D 0.02 0.025 0.03
140 120 100 p ( kN/m2 ) 80 60 40 20 0 0 0.01 0.02 y/D 0.03 0.04

(b) Trailing row

Gr 2x1, s=4D Gr 2x1, s=8D Gr 2x2, s=4D Gr 2x2, s=8D Gr 3x2, s=4D
0 -0.12 -0.1 -0.08 -0.06 -0.04 Gr 3x2, s=8D -0.02 0 0.02 Lat eral pile displacement ( / D)

Leading row
Single isolated pile
15

Gr 2x1, s=2D Gr 2x1, s=6D Gr 2x2, s=2D Gr 2x2, s=6D Gr 3x2, s=2D Gr 3x2, s=6D

12

Figure 5: Influence of group configuration on the predicted p-y curve, (a) cohesionless soil and (b) cohesive soil

REFERENCES
1. Abbas, J. M, Z. Chik and M. R.Taha (2008) Single pile simulation and analysis subjected to lateral load. Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering. 13 Bundle (E). pp. 1-10. 2. Abbas, J. M, Z. Chik, M. R. Taha, Q. S. M Shafiqu (2009) Analysis of Time Dependent Laterally Loaded Pile in Clay. Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering. 14 Bundle (N): pp 1-10. 3. Abbas, J. M, Z. Chik, M. R. Taha, Q. S. M Shafiqu (2010) Time Dependent Lateral Response of Pile Embedded in Elasto-Plastic Soil. Journal of Central South University of Technology, vol. 17(2): (in press). 4. Ashour, M., P. Pilling and G. Norris (2004) Lateral Behavior of Pile Groups in Layered Soils. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. vol.130(6), pp. 580592. 5. Brinkgreve R.B.J. & W. Broere (2004) PLAXIS 3D FOUNDATION - version 1 Netherlands. 6. Brown, D. A., C. Morrison, and L. C. Reese. (1988) Laterally load behavior of pile group in sand. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering Division. vol.114(11), pp. 12611276. 7. Chandrasekaran, S.S., A. Boominathan and Dodagoudar G.R. (2009 ) Group Interaction Effects on Laterally Loaded Piles in Clay. J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. ASCE. (in press). doi:10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000245. 8. Johnson, K., P. Lemcke, W. Karunasena and N. Sivakugan, (2006) Modelling the load deformation response of deep foundation under oblique load. Environment Modelling and Software, vol.21, pp.1375-1380. 9. Patra, N. R. and P. J. Pise. (2001) Ultimate Lateral Resistance of Pile Groups in Sand, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. vol.127(6), pp. 481-487. 10. Poulos, H. G. and E. H. Davis. (1980 ) Pile Foundation Analysis and Design . John Wiley & Sons, New York. 11. Rollins, K. M., K.T.Peterson, and T. J. Weaver (1998 ) Lateral load behavior of fullscale pile group in clay. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. vol.124(6), pp. 468-478. 12. Rollins, K. M., J. D. Lane and T M. Gerber (2005) Measured and Computed Lateral Response of a Pile Group in Sand. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE. vol.131, ( 1), pp. 103-114. 13. Rollins, K. M., K. G. Olsen, D. H. Jensen, B. H. Garrett, R. J. Olsen, and J. J. Egbert (2006) Pile Spacing Effects on Lateral Pile Group Behavior: Analysis. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE. vol.132(10), pp. 1272-1283. 14. Potts D. M., and L. Zdravkovic, (1999) Finite element analysis in geotechnical engineering: theory. Thomas Telford. Heron Quay, London.

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15. Zhang, L., M. McVay, P. Lai. (1999) Numerical analysis of laterally loaded 3x3 to 7x3 pile groups in sands. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Eng., ASCE. vol. 125(11), pp. 936-946. 16. Zhang H. H. and J. C. Small. (2001 ) Analysis of capped pile groups subjected to horizontal and vertical loads. Computers and Geotechnics. vol. 26, pp.1- 21.

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