Updated CPT-based p-y formulation for laterally loaded piles in cohesionless soil under static loading

摘要

The p-y method is currently the most popular design method to predict the response of piles to lateral load. The authors had previously used numerical methods to develop a cone penetration test (CPT)-based p-y formulation for piles in sand and this has subsequently been shown by independent verification to show considerable promise. This paper addresses some of the uncertainties associated with the original p-y formulation by examining the influence of pile bending stiffness, the presence of a water table, the cross-sectional shape of the pile and soil non-homogeneities. Numerical experiments are presented examining these four effects and lead to an updated proposal for a CPT-based p-y formulation. This formulation, which is consistent with the original proposal, is validated against three-dimensional finite-element calculations and data obtained from a full-scale offshore monopile foundation supporting a wind turbine.