Modeling the effect of pile diameter on response of pile groups under lateral loading

Deep foundations are sometimes single piles which transfer loads to a stronger and deeper soil layer, but they are generally used in groups. Available design guidelines for lateral response of pile groups are based on the limited experimental studies on “small” pile groups with pile diameters of up to “30-40 cm”. This limitation is due to the difficulty and cost of full-scale testiing particularly in larger pile groups. To cope with this limitation in development and evaluation of design guidelines, it would be reasonable to use representative three–dimensional numerical simulations. The proposed research aims for investigating the effect of pile diameter on the response of pile groups under lateral loading and evaluating related design guidelines. Golder Associates Ltd. is heavily involved in analysis and design of soil-pile interaction in various largescale engineering projects. The outcome of this research would be beneficial both the intern in terms of its research merits and to Golder Associates in terms of its applications in engineering practice.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mahdi Taiebat

Student:

Partner:

Golder (Vancouver, BC)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: