Laterally Loaded Piles in Elastic Media

A numerical approach and parametric study for the calculation of the soil and pile interaction under lateral loading are presented. The method uses variational calculus to obtain the governing differential equations of the soil and pile system. A principal parameter (γ) is used in this model to present the elastic foundation. The properties and the significance of the primary model parameters, such as γ, Poisson's ratio υ, slenderness ratio Ψ, and flexibility factor Kr, are carefully investigated in order to have a better understanding of the relationships between those parameters. A number of important features, including linear relationships between the coefficients and simple analytical equations, are presented here. On the basis of the new aspect and related mathematical expressions, an improved predictive capability is obtained. This general analytical perspective allows the further improvement and simplification of the proposed model and suggests a way to predict the response of laterally loaded piles for engineering design. The practical application guide has been produced. Some graphics and examples illustrated in this paper can be used by a design engineer for engineering design.