In the analysis of soil–pile interaction under lateral load, the behaviour of soil around a pile is an important parameter which has a great influence on the results. In this paper the three-dimensional deformation pattern of soil around laterally loaded piles was studied on small-scale physical models in the laboratory using the particle image velocimetry method. In each step of loading two digital cameras were used to capture the deformed piles and soil, one above and the other on the side. One of the cameras was placed vertically in front of the test box and the other horizontally on top of it. Image processing was undertaken to evaluate the three-dimensional behaviour of deformed soil. Particle image velocimetry analysis was undertaken to obtain the displacement. The deformation pattern and shear strains of soil around laterally loaded single pile and pile groups were studied. The effects of pile length, stiffness and diameter on the soil deformation pattern were investigated. The group effect and interaction between piles in pile groups were also studied. Experimental results showed that a conical passive zone is established in front of laterally loaded piles.

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