Strain Wedge Model Hybrid Analysis of Laterally Loaded Pile Group

A simple hybrid method with which to characterize the response of flexible pile groups to lateral loading is presented. The reduction in the capacity of an isolated pile is calculated on the basis of the interference among piles in the group by using the strain wedge model technique. This technique characterizes structure response to lateral loading by determining the resistance provided by a three-dimensional passive wedge of soil that develops in front of the pile, and it relates the one-dimensional beam on an elastic foundation analysis to a three-dimensional soil-pile interaction response. The response of individual piles in a group (i.e., the resistance of the surrounding soil) is influenced by the interference among the soil passive wedges in front of the piles and is related to the pile-head response of the isolated pile.