Effects of Loading Method on the Behavior of Laterally Cyclic Loaded Piles in Sand

The behavior of laterally cyclic loaded piles is affected by the magnitude and number of cycles of cyclic lateral loads as well as loading method (1-way or 2-way loading). In this study, calibration chamber tests were carried out to investigate the effects of loading method of cyclic lateral loads on the behavior of piles driven into sand. Results of the chamber tests show that the permanent lateral displacement of 1-way cyclic loaded piles is developed in the same direction as the first loading, whereas that of 2-way cyclic loaded piles is developed in the reverse direction of the first loading. 1-way cyclic lateral loads cause a decrease of the ultimate lateral load capacity of piles, and 2-way cyclic lateral loads cause an increase of the ultimate lateral load capacity of piles. The change of ultimate lateral load capacity with loading method of cyclic lateral loads increases with increasing number of cycles. It is also observed that the 1-way cyclic loads generate greater maximum bending moment than 2-way cyclic loads for piles in cyclic loading step and generates smaller maximum bending moment for piles in the ultimate state. It can be attributed to the difference in compaction degree of the soil around the piles with loading method of cyclic lateral loads. In addition, it is founded that 1-way and 2-way cyclic lateral loads cause a decrease in the maximum bending moment of piles in the ultimate state compared with that of piles subjected to only monotonic loads.