Soil Arching Effect in Sand Reinforced with Micropiles Under Lateral Load

The mechanics of the mobilization of resistance from passive pile groups subjected to lateral soil movement is discussed from the standpoint of the arching effect. An innovative approach has been attempted to study the effect of introducing multiple rows arrangement of micropiles in sand at varying ground densities (30% and 80%). Similarly, parametric study focusing on the effect of the reinforcing rods cross sections (10 x 10 mm square and 3 mm in diameter piles) was also considered in terms of their pressure resistance. The results reveal that the formation and shape of the arching zone are functions of pile arrangement and pile shape. Group effects in multiple rows of piles are significant, but no significant effect under lateral soil movement (passive loading) for single row of piles was observed in sand.