Lateral Load Capacity of Model Piles on

Cohesionless Soil

Salini U. and Girish M. S.

Department of Civil Engineering
College of Engineering,Trivandrum, Kerala
saliniu@yahoo.com, girishmadhavan@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
The behaviour of pile under lateral load is studied through laboratory experiments on model mild steel and
aluminum pipe piles driven into dry river sand. The load-displacement diagrams were drawn to study the
effect of pile diameter, pile length, weight of pile, pile material, density of sand, and roughness of pile on
the lateral load capacity of pile. It was found that the lateral load capacity of piles increases with increase in
length, pile diameter, weight of the pile, pile roughness and increase in sand density. It is also found that
lateral load capacity is more for steel as compared to that of aluminium.
KEYWORDS: pile; ultimate lateral load capacity; experiment; sand.

INTRODUCTION
Pile foundations are commonly used to resist axial and lateral loads applied to structures. Piles are often
subjected to lateral loads particularly in quay and harbor structures, pile supported earth-retaining structures,
in transmission tower foundations etc. For proper functioning of such structures, two criteria must be satisfied:
(1) a pile should be safe against ultimate failure; and (2) normal deflection at working loads should be within
the permissible limit. For design of such piles, ultimate lateral resistance of a pile is also required. The
behavior of piles subjected to lateral loads is governed by the interaction between the pile and the soil. Pile
properties, including pile stiffness and geometry; soil stress–strain behavior, including shear strength,
stiffness, density and the pile/soil interface play important roles in the response of piles subjected to lateral
loads.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Several methods are available for predicting the lateral load capacity of piles in cohesionless soil.
Numerous tests have been carried out on model piles and pile groups to study the efficiency of pile under
lateral loading. Gandhi and Selvam (1997) studied the behaviour of pile groups of different configuration
under fixed head condition subjected to lateral load through laboratory experiments on aluminum pipe piles in
cohesionless soil. They studied the effect of pile driving by comparing the behaviour of single driven pile with
that of a bored pile [2]. Ranjan and Jagannath (2001) conducted model tests on pile groups of different
configuration subjected to lateral loads, in dry Ennore sand. They investigated the load-displacement
response, ultimate resistance, and group efficiency with spacing and number of piles in a group [8]. Kim et al.
 Vol. 14 [2009], Bund. P 2

(2004) conducted model testing of the piles embedded in Nak-Dong River sand, located in South Korea, under
monotonic lateral loadings. A number of features were studied, including the lateral resistance of piles, the
effect of the installation method, and the pile head restraint condition. The study has led to recommendations
of the load–transfer curves (p–y curves) for laterally loaded piles [7]. Boominathan and Ayothiraman (2006)
carried out tests on model aluminum single piles embedded in soft clay to study its bending behaviour. Static
lateral load tests were conducted on piles with length to diameter ratios of 10, 20, 30 and 40 using rope and
pulley arrangement up to failure and the load–deflection response was recorded [1].

In the present study, in addition to the effect of pile diameter and length of pile, the effect of pile material
is also studied. The effect of density of piles on lateral load capacity for pile and pile groups are studied. Tests
were also done after increasing the pile roughness of pile. These studies gave overall lateral load behaviour of
piles in cohesion less soil.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
Foundation Materials
Dry river sand was used as foundation medium in test tank of diameter 0.50 m and height 0.31 m. The
properties of sand determined by sieve analysis, specific gravity test, direct shear test and density test are G =
2.64, γmax = 1.89 g/cc, γmin = 1.55 g/cc, D10 = 0.18 mm, Cc = 1.09, Cu = 2.56 and Ф = 39°. The placement
density of sand during testing was 1.8 g/cc for dense condition and 1.6 g/cc for loose condition.

Mild Steel (MS) tubes and aluminum (Al) tubes of different diameters and lengths were used as model
piles. Details are given in the Table I and Table II. Tension test and Interface friction test were carried out to
find modulus of elasticity, E and pile friction angle, δ respectively. E for aluminum was recorded as 0.72 ×105
N/mm2 and for mild steel as 2.12 × 105 N/mm2. δ for aluminum was recorded as 20° and for mild steel as 24°.

Table I: List of Model Piles (Aluminum)

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Table II: List of Model Piles (Mild Steel)

Procedure
The schematic diagram of the test setup, loading arrangement, and model pile group with pile cap is
shown in Fig. 1. Sand was placed in the test tank in layers of 5 cm thickness each and was compacted well to
attain the required density. The model pile was then installed into the centre of tank filled with sand by driving
it vertically. The tests were then conducted after a lapse of 1 day from the day of filling of the test tank. The
lateral load was applied to the pile top or pile cap through a pulley arrangement with flexible wire attached to
the pile top or pile cap. The other end was attached to the loading pan. The loads were applied by dead weight
(slotted weights) over the loading pan. Mechanical magnetic base dial gauges having a sensitivity of 0.01 mm
were used for measuring lateral displacements. Load increment was continued until the pile undergoes abrupt
failure (i.e. when the pile gets pulled out from the sand) or until the dial gauge shows maximum deflection
(i.e. 12 mm). Load-displacement graphs were plotted. From this graph the ultimate lateral load is calculated.
The photograph of the experimental setup is shown in Fig.2.

1. Pile Cap 2. Model Test Pile Group 3. Dial Gauge 4. Test Tank
5. Non Extensible Wire 6. Frictionless Pulley 7. Loading Pan

Figure 1: Schematic diagram of test setup

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Figure 2: Photograph of the experimental setup

TEST RESULTS
Typical diagrams of variation of lateral displacement with lateral load were drawn for all the testing
conditions. The load-displacement curves are, in general, similar and nonlinear. The lateral pull versus lateral
displacement diagrams were drawn to study the effect of pile diameter, pile length, weight of pile, pile
material, density of sand, number of bulbs in the pile, roughness of pile and pile installation method on the
lateral load capacity of pile.
Ultimate lateral load capacity was obtained as the load corresponding to the point of intersection
of the tangents of upper and lower portion of the curve or the load corresponding to a break point
when the load settlement curve is drawn on a log-log plot or the load at which the curve exhibits a
peak or maintains continuous displacement in load – displacement graph (Som and Das 2003).

Effect of Density of Sand on Lateral Load Capacity

In order to study the effect of density of soil on lateral load capacity of pile, tests were conducted on sand
of different densities 1.8 g/cc (i.e relative density Dr = 77%) and 1.6 g/cc (i.e Dr = 17%). Here different model
piles were used. Aluminium and mild steel model piles of length 20 cm and diameter 1 cm were used. Fig.
3(a) and Fig.3(b) show the effect of density on lateral load capacity of MS and Al piles. The results are shown
in Table III. From the results, it can be seen that lateral load capacity increases with increase in the density of
sand. For Dr = 77%, the lateral load capacity of the pile is 10 times more than Dr = 17%. This is due to the fact
that shear strength of sand increases as it become denser.

Lateral Load (kg)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12
0

4
Displacement (mm)

10

12

14

16 L = 20 cm, d = 1cm
18

γrdd = 1.6 g/cc γrd

d =1.8 g/cc

Figure 3(a): Load displacement curve for MS pile of L = 20 cm, d = 1 cm

 Vol. 14 [2009], Bund. P 5

Lateral Load (kg)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
0
2
4
6

Displacement (mm)
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22 L = 20 cm, d = 1 cm
24

γrd
d =1.6 g/cc γrd
d =1.8 g/cc

Figure 3(b): Load displacement curve for Al pile of L = 20 cm, d = 1 cm

Table III: Lateral load capacity of piles at different density

Effect of Pile Material on Lateral Load Capacity

In order to study the influence of material of pile on lateral load capacity, tests were conducted on
aluminum and mild steel piles. The model piles used for the test are 1 cm diameter, 20 cm length. The
test was conducted at two different densities of 1.8 g/cc and 1.6 g/cc. The results are shown in Table 3.
Comparing the Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b), it is observed that the lateral load capacity of mild steel pile is
more than aluminum pile. Therefore, it is evident that the increase in lateral load capacity in case of
Steel pile is due to the increase in the weight and stiffness (EI) of the pile. The modulus of elasticity is
more for steel when compared to aluminum.

Effect of Length of the Pile on Lateral Load Capacity

To study the effect of length of the pile on lateral load capacity, MS and Al model piles of different
lengths such as 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm and diameter 1 cm were tested. Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b) show the
effect of length of the pile on lateral load capacity. The results are shown in Table IV. From the results, it
can be seen that lateral load capacity increases with increase in length of the pile. This is because the
passive resistance is mobilized on increased embedment of pile, i.e. when the embedment length of pile
increases.
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Lateral Load (kg)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
0

Displacement (mm)
4

10

γd =1.8 g/cc, d=1cm

12
L= 10cm L=15cm L=20cm

Figure 4(a): Load displacement curve for MS pile at sand density 1.8 g/cc

Lateral Load (kg)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
0

5
Displacement (mm)

10

15

20

γdrd=1.8 g/cc, d =1cm

25

L = 10 cm L = 15 cm L = 20 cm

Figure 4(b): Load displacement curve for Al pile at sand density 1.8 g/cc

Table IV: Lateral load capacity of piles of different length

Effect of Diameter of the Pile on Lateral Load Capacity

To study the effect of diameter on lateral load capacity, model piles of different diameters such as 1 cm, 2
cm, and 2.5 cm were tested. Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b) show the effect of diameter of the pile on lateral load
capacity. The results are shown in Table V. From the results, it can be seen that lateral load capacity increases
with increase in diameter of the pile. This is due to the increase in surface area. Also the pile stiffness, EI,
increases with increase in moment of inertia I which depends on the diameter of pile. But this increase is less,
when compared with the increase in lateral load capacity of pile with the increase in embedment length. The
effect of stiffness can be felt when the displacement is large.
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Lateral Load (kg)

0 1 2 3 4
0

Displacement (mm)
2

γrdd = 1.8 g/cc, L= 10cm

6
d=1cm d=2cm d=2.5cm

Figure 5(a): Load displacement curve for MS pile at sand density

1.8 g/cc

Lateral Load (kg)

0 1 2 3 4
0

2
Displacement (mm)

10
γd = 1.8 g/cc, L= 10cm
rd
12

d=1cm d=2cm d=2.5cm

Figure 5(b): Load displacement curve for Al pile at sand density 1.8 g/cc

Table V: Lateral load capacity of piles of different diameter

Effect of Roughness of Pile on Lateral Load Capacity

To study the effect of roughness of the pile on lateral load capacity, model piles pasted with sand
paper (rough piles) of length 20 cm was tested at density of 1.8 g/cc. Fig. 6(a), and Fig. 6(b) show the
effect of roughness of the pile on lateral load capacity. The results are shown in Table VI. It is
observed that lateral load capacity increased when the roughness of the model piles are increased. It is
mainly due to the surface friction. Skin friction is increased when sand paper pasted piles were used,
due to the presence of sand. About 30 % increase is seen in case of rough piles.
 Vol. 14 [2009], Bund. P 8

Lateral Load (kg)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
0

Displacement (mm)
4

γd =1.8 g/cc, d=1cm L = 20 cm

8
plain rough

Figure 6(a): Load displacement curve for MS pile of L = 20 cm, d = 1 cm

Lateral Load (kg)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
0
1
2
Displacement (mm)

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
γd =1.8 g/cc, d =1cm, L = 20 cm
10

plain rough

Figure 6(b): Load displacement curve for Al pile of L = 20 cm, d = 1cm

Table VI: Lateral load capacity of piles of different roughness

Effect of Density of Sand on Lateral load Capacity of Pile Group

To study the effect of density of sand on lateral load capacity in case of pile group, tests were
conducted on pile group consisting of 4 piles with length 15 cm, diameter 1 cm and spacing 2.5 cm.
The tests were done on two densities of sand. The effect of density of sand on lateral load capacity is
shown in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b). Also the results are shown in Table VII. From the results, it can be
seen that lateral load capacity of the pile group increases with increase in the density of sand i.e. at Dr =
77 % the pile group has more lateral load than at Dr = 17 % and this increase is nearly 10 times This is
because the shear strength of sand increases as it becomes denser.
 Vol. 14 [2009], Bund. P 9

Lateral Load (kg)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
0

Displacement (mm)
4

10

12
L = 15 cm, d = 1 cm
14
γd
rd =1.6 g/cc γdrd =1.8 g/cc

Figure 7(a): Load displacement curve of pile group (MS)

Lateral Load (kg)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
0

2
Displacement (mm)

L = 15 cm, d = 1 cm
10
γd =1.6 g/cc
rd γrd
d =1.8 g/cc

Figure 7(b): Load displacement curve of pile group (Al)

Table VII: Lateral Load Capacity of Pile Group at Different Density

On comparing the pile group with single pile as shown in table VIII, it is seen that lateral load capacity is
more for pile group for both Al and MS, but the increase is only twice that of single pile. Usually the pile
group capacity is sum of the individual piles but here it is less than the sum because the spacing considered is
less. On increasing the spacing the pile group capacity will increase.
 Vol. 14 [2009], Bund. P 10

Table VIII: Comparing Pile Group with Single Pile

CONCLUSION
From the response of piles tested under lateral loading, it can be stated that the ultimate lateral capacity of
pile depends on its length, diameter, pile friction angle, pile stiffness, and sand placement density. Also the
load displacement curves are non – linear. The following conclusions are drawn from the present study:

1. The lateral load capacity of pile and pile group increases with increase in density of the sand for same
length and diameter. For Dr = 77%, the lateral load capacity of the pile is 10 times more than that of Dr =
17%.

2. The lateral load capacity of pile group is more compared to individual pile and in the study conducted the
increase is only two times.

3. The lateral load capacity of pile increases with increase in length for same diameter since passive
resistance is mobilised on increase in embedment length of pile.

4. The lateral load capacity of pile increases with increase in diameter for same length since pile stiffness,
EI, increases with increase in moment of inertia I which depends on the diameter of pile.

5. The lateral load capacity of mild steel pile group is higher than aluminium pile group of same dimensions
in same density of sand and the lateral load capacity of steel piles is higher than that of aluminium piles
for same density because MS has more weight and elastic modulus than Al.

6. The lateral load capacity of pile with greater roughness is higher than smooth pile since the skin friction
increases as roughness increase. About 30 % increase is seen in case of rough piles.

REFERENCES
1. Boominathan, A., and Ayothiraman R. (2007) “An experimental study on static and dynamic bending
behaviour of piles in soft clay”, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 25,
No. 2, pp. 177 – 189.
2. Gandhi, S. R., and Selvan, S. (1997) ‘‘Group Effect on Driven Piles Under Lateral Load’’ Journal of
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 123, No. 8, pp. 702 – 709.
3. Fan, C. C., and Long, J. H. (2005) ‘‘Assessment of Existing Methods for Predicting Soil Response of
Laterally Loaded Piles in Sand’’ Computers and Geotechnics, Vol. 32, pp. 274-289.
4. IS: 2720 (Part 4) – 1985, Methods of Test for Soils: Grain Size Analysis, Bureau of Standards, New
Delhi, India.
5. IS 2720 (Part 13) – 1972, Method of Test for soils: Direct Shear Test (Second Revision), Bureau of
Standards, New Delhi, India.
Vol. 14 [2009], Bund. P 11

6. IS: 2911-IV (1985), “Indian Standard code of practice for design and construction of pile
foundations”, Part 4, Load test on piles, Bureau of Standards, New Delhi, India.
7. Kim, B. T., Kim, N. K., Lee, W. J., and Kim, Y. S. (2004) “Experimental Load–Transfer Curves of
Laterally Loaded Piles in Nak-Dong River Sand”, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental
Engineering, Vol. 130, No. 4, pp 416 – 425.
8. Ranjan, N. P., and Jagannath, P. P. (2001) “Ultimate Lateral Resistance of Pile Groups in Sand”,
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol.127, No.6, pp.481 – 486.
9. Som, N. N. and Das, S. C. (2003) “Theory and Practice of Foundation Design”, Prentice Hall of India
Private Limited, New Delhi, pp 232-250.

APPENDIX - LIST OF NOTATIONS

The following symbols are used in this paper
Al = Aluminum
Cc = Coefficient of curvature
Cu = Uniformity coefficient
d = Diameter of pile
D10 = Effective size
Dr = Relative density
E = Modulus of elasticity
G = Specific gravity
I = Moment of inertia
L = Length of pile
MS = Mild Steel
γd = Dry density
γmax = Maximum dry density
γmin = Minimum dry density
Ф = Internal friction angle
δ = Angle of wall friction

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