Simplified Method for Laterally Loaded Short Piles in Cohesionless Soil

Rigorous estimation of the lateral load resistance of piles requires advanced modeling techniques with consideration of the three-dimensionality of the problem. However, the scope of the project, the timeframe, the available geotechnical information, or the budget, often do not justify an advanced approach. There is a need for simplified, user-friendly, yet accurate procedure when advanced calculations are not justified. Simplified methods are also useful for predesign and checking the order of magnitude of results from more complex analysis techniques. Several simplified methods are available for estimating the lateral load capacity of short piles in cohesionless soil. However, these methods frequently produce significantly different results. This study responds to this problem by reviewing methods commonly used in practice and offering a new alternative. Laboratory and field test data from the published literature are used to assess the accuracy of a selected group of methods for predicting the lateral load capacity statistically. In this paper, a new simplified method for calculating the lateral load resistance and displacement is proposed. It was derived using the principle of minimum potential energy.