Analysis of an Inclined Pile in Settling Soil

Abstract: The use of inclined piles is an efficient way to handle horizontal forces in constructions. However, if the soil settles the structural bearing capacity of each pile is reduced because of induced bending moments in the pile. There are several reasons for a soil to settle, e.g. if an embankment is built on top of a clay settlements will occur. There is currently no validated method in Sweden to analyse horizontal loading from a settling soil. In the current report a non-linear 3D finite element model is validated by a previously conducted field test and the results are compared to three different beam-spring foundations. These consist of a standard model where a subsoil reaction formulation is used, a model where the soil is considered as a distributed load, and a model with a wedge type of failure. Furthermore, a parametric study is conducted for a cohesionless material where the weight and friction angle of the soil material is varied. The standard soil reaction model yields an induced bending moment almost three times larger than the one obtained from the field test and the two other calculation methods. The latter beam-spring models should therefore be considered in practical design. These findings imply that inclined piles can be used in a far greater extent than previously expected, hence decreasing the cost for the project.