Abstract

One common software program developed for analyzing single laterally loaded piles is called LPILE. Soil properties are required as input into LPILE. For sands, the soil properties required are effective soil unit weight, γ’; modulus of subgrade reaction, k; and the internal friction angle,ϕ’. There are two commonly used methods to obtain ϕ’ and subsequently k: the API method and Bolton method. Using the Bolton method to determine the soil strength properties gives more accurate load deflection values with respect to measured values from field tests. The Bolton method led to a 46% reduction in the predicted deflection error compared to the API method. The Bolton method accounts for dilation and the type of sand as well as the relative density and the mean effective stress of the soil. This leads to soil strength properties more characteristic of the soil at the site.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering

Rights

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