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Whelan Matthew
Whelan Matthew
1
Class of ’04, Structural Engineering, Clarkson University, Honors Program
Research Mentor: Dr. Kerop D. Janoyan, P.E., Assistant Professor, Clarkson University,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Presentation Format: Oral
Due to the complex nonlinear nature of soil, truly representative p-y curves can only be produced
through field-testing under conditions identical to those used for design. Current methodologies for the
design of laterally loaded piles in sand are based on empirical correlations derived from a relatively small
library of field tests (Reese, 1974). However, recent studies suggest that the recommended design curves
underestimate of the actual strength of the soil-structure interaction by underestimating the contribution of
side friction, particularly for large diameter piles (Janoyan, 2001). Increased understanding of the
contributions of normal and side shear components of soil resistance on pile shafts may lead to correction
of the API recommended p-y curves, resulting in a more cost-effective design approach.
A laboratory-scale test program will be undertaken in order to quantify the component soil
resistances on a free-head laterally loaded pile. A 24-inch diameter by 30-inch height soil container was
designed and fabricated specifically for the outlined testing procedure (Fig. 2). A cylindrical Neoprene
wall replicates the response of free-field soil and Kevlar bands provide sufficient lateral restraint while
allowing for free translational movement of the soil column for future dynamic testing. Model-prototype
scaling was implemented with a governing geometric scaling factor of 12 in order to develop a reasonable
soil and representative pile section. The preliminary model soil is ground silica sand that, when scaled,
replicates Ottawa Standard sand. Physical and mechanical property classification of the soil will be
achieved through grain size analysis and triaxial and simple shear box tests. Placement of the soil
through the use of a traveling pluviation apparatus will ensure uniform and repeatable in-situ density and
mechanical strengths. A miniature Cone Penetrometer will be used in order to verify the uniformity of
the soil and determine in-situ characteristics.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Due appreciation is given to Dr. Kerop Janoyan for the extensive support and ingenuity, as well as
admirable commitment, that he has provided consistently throughout the course of the research.
Additional thanks is given to the skilled technicians at the Clarkson University machine shop for their
input on testing apparatus design and fabrication of necessary equipment. This research is part of an
ongoing effort to complete an undergraduate thesis under the requirements outlined by the Clarkson
University Honors Program.
REFERENCES
Janoyan, K. D. (2001). “Test Results for Full Scale Drilled Shafts Under Cyclic Lateral Loading.” PhD
Dissertation, Dept. of Civil & Envir. Engrg., University of California, Los Angeles, California.
LPILE Plus (2000). “A Program for Analyzing Stress and Deformation of a Pile or Drilled Shaft Under
Lateral Loading,” ENSOFT, Inc. Version 4.0.
Reese, L.C., Cox, W.R., and Koop, F.D. (1974), “Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles in Sand,” 6th
Offshore Technology Conference. OTC 2080, Vol 2, Houston, Texas. pp 473-485.
Smith, T. D., Slyh, R. (1986), “Side Friction Mobilization Rates for Laterally Loaded Piles from the
Pressuremeter,” The Pressuremeter and Its Marine Applications: Second International Symposium ASTM
STP 950, J.L. Briaud and J.M.E. Audibert, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials.