Piles subjected to horizontal loads due to asymmetrical surcharges on the surface: a review of design methods

摘要

Piles in soft soils are subjected to horizontal loads due to unsymmetrical surcharges. This is one of the main problems for construction on soft soils. Those loads cause displacements, rotations and, in some cases, failure of the piles. There are several published methods of calculation with different types of solutions and results, differing considerably. First published solutions were based on theoretical and empirical considerations, based only on equilibrium and basic soil mechanics. Other published solutions are based on numerical models, bi- and tridimensional, elastic and elastoplastic. The lack of recorded case histories and prototype measures make a closed solution difficult, but the paper intends to show which are the main guidelines fora safe and economic design. Additionally, effects of embankment width and distance of pile to embankment crest are discussed based on numerical analysis results.