Revisiting the p-multipliers used for analysis of large pile groups

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Response of a single pile is significantly different from the response of a pile in a pile group, depending on the particular pile group configuration. In a pile group, the interaction between piles reduces the lateral resistance of the individual piles and this results in less lateral capacity than the sum of the lateral capacities of the individual piles. This proposal is aimed on evaluation of the influence of interaction between piles on the lateral resistance in large pile groups. To this end, advanced continuum simulations of pile groups subjected to static lateral loading will be developed and used to study the response of large pile groups with various spacings and pile head conditions. Contribution of different rows to the lateral resistance and also developed bending moment profiles for different rows will be explored. For each pile group p-multipliers will be calculated and compared with available recommendations to obtain a better understanding about contribution of different rows to the total lateral resistance of the pile group. Given that the available design guidelines for p-multipliers are developed based on analysis of limited number of field tests on small piles groups mostly with free-head condition, the planned numerical analysis in this proposal are expected to play a key role in development of revised p-multiplier design guideline.