This paper reports two large-scale model tests on a 3x3 pile group subjected to lateral loading with eccentricities of 6D and 11D to study the behavior of pile groups subjected to eccentric lateral loading. The model piles were 5.95 m long with 2.55 m above the soil surface. The objectives of the paper are to investigate: (1) The influence of eccentricity on the response of the laterally loaded 3x3 pile group; (2) The distribution of the internal forces (shear force, bending moment, and torque) in the pile group. It was found from the model tests that the response of the 3x3 pile group was heavily influenced by eccentricity. The lateral resistance of the group significantly decreases with eccentricity. The distribution of the internal forces mobilized in the group was more uneven at larger eccentricity. Both torsional and lateral resistances of the individual piles in the group were simultaneously mobilized to resist the applied load. The contribution of the torsional resistances to the applied torque decreased with twist angles.
展开▼
