An experimental investigation of piles in sand subjected to lateral cyclic loads

The displacement of piles under long-term lateral cyclic loading is difficult to quantify. Commonly used methods in practice such as subgrade reaction methods to investigate pile serviceability have known limitations and do not take factors such as number of load cycles into account. 1 g small-scale model tests of laterally loaded piles were performed to quantify pile displacement and determine the effect of relevant factors. Among others, the functions of cyclic load amplitude and number of cycles were investigated, as well as the effect of irregular load patterns and the validity of Miner's damage concept to pile-soil systems.