El análisis de pilotes sometidos a cargas laterales es un aspecto de suma importancia dentro del diseño de estructuras tanto convencionales como también infraestructura marítima. Este artículo presenta resultados de una investigación experimental realizada bajo la hipótesis de que es posible replicar el comportamiento de pilotes con pruebas a escala de modo que estos datos puedan ser de utilidad en futuras investigaciones y diseños. Como parte de la investigación, se desarrolló un aparato que permite la aplicación de carga lateral en modelos de pilotes a pequeña escala. Para los experimentos aquí presentados, se utilizó suelo arenoso y pilotes de madera. Los datos fueron validados mediante la utilización de métodos analíticos que permiten estimar la capacidad última de pilotes bajo cargas laterales. Los resultados muestran una buena correlación entre los resultados experimentales y las predicciones analíticas.

Geotechnical centrifuge tests were conducted to examine the behavior of low aspect ratio piles and caissons in clayey soils subjected to high moment loading. Model piles with aspect ratio of two were tested in the 150g-ton centrifuge at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Results include moment-inclination and force-displacement response for different loading conditions. Numerical studies were also performed consisting of three dimensional finite element simulations in order to predict capacities. The comparisons are performed in terms of the total resistance that is exerted by the soil on the caisson. This paper focuses on presenting the ultimate bearing capacity factors including both experimental and numerical results. In addition, results are compared to a series of studies available in the literature, which include upper bound solutions and experimental results.

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This paper presents a series of studies in which traditional upper bound plastic limit analysis (PLA) methods are modified to accommodate non-linear strength profiles which correspond to soils with crust. The collapse mechanism presented comprises a surface failure wedge, a flow-around region and a spherical base failure surface. Results are compared to predictions from 3-dimensional finite element analyses for case of a surficial stiff ‘crust’ overlying a thicker layer of soft soil. An introductory discussion on the origin of such ‘crusts’ is included. Comparisons are presented in terms of both horizontal bearing capacity and lateral unit bearing capacity profiles, which are depth-dependent. A series of parametric studies is presented in which the effect of pile diameter and soil strength is assessed. The paper presents a simplified practical approach to calculate lateral bearing capacity factors for soils with crust, by modifying an existing solution for linear soil profiles.

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