Effect of lateral cyclic load on axial capacity of pile group in soft clay

The environment prevalent in ocean necessitates the piles supporting offshore structures to be designed against lateral cyclic loading initiated by wave action. Such quasi-static load reversal induces deterioration in the strength and stiffness of the soil-pile system introducing progressive reduction in the bearing capacity as well as settlement of the pile foundation. To understand the effect of lateral cyclic load on axial capacity of pile group in soft clay, a series of laboratory experiments has been performed. This paper presents the experimental observations made and the relevant conclusions drawn therefrom.