Application of X-ray CT on Boundary Value Problems in Geotechnical Engineering - Research on Ground Failure due to Lateral Pile Loadings

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to investigate three dimensional (3-D) failure patterns in sand due to laterally loaded pile using industrial X-ray CT scanner. First of all, a model test apparatus is developed with an automatic loading system at pile head. Then, pile loading test is performed with increasing load levels. CT scanning is conducted for model ground at several loading steps. Not only cross sectional images of the failure patterns but also 3-D ones are reproduced. Finally, 3-D lateral bearing capacity mechanism of pile foundation is visualized and discussed quantitatively.