INVESTIGATION OF A LATERALLY LOADED MODEL PILE BEHAVIOUR IN SAND BY MEANS OF EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL METHODS

In this study, stress-strain relation and deformation behavior of laterally loaded pile which is located in different sand embedment is investigated. A circular aluminum pile, test box, loading system, strain gauge rosettes and linear position transducers were used in the laboratory test. Uniform relative density and homogeneous embedment medium in the test box were achieved by using sand pluviation system. The behavior of aluminum pile loaded incrementally at its head is obtained experimentally and then p-y method and subgrade reaction method which is commonly used by designers are employed to model the numerical behavior of the pile. Numerical studies were performed by using LPILE and SAP 2000 computer programs. Based on the findings, the p-y method estimates the pile head deflection more accurately than subgrade reaction method particularly high lateral deflections of pile head. The experimental test studies show that relative density of sand embedment is very effective on occurrence of soil reaction. Finally the reliability of Daley calibration method which is used in instrumentation was evaluated.