Static Cyclic Load Tests on Model Foundations in Dry Sand

ABSTRACT: The behaviour of pile foundations under horizontal loading was investigated by static cyclic horizontal load tests on model pile foundations including single pile, capped pile (single pile with a small raft), 3-pile pile group, 3-pile piled raft and raft alone in dry model ground. In order to consider the dead load of the superstructure, vertical load was applied to the foundations before applying horizontal load. Vertical load tests on the model foundations were also carried out to understand and discuss the behaviour of the model foundations subjected to horizontal loading. The raft effect, the effect of vertical load and their influence on the behaviour of the model foundations were investigated. The piles were instrumented with strain gauges to measure bending moments, shear forces and axial forces. The results showed that the piled raft model settles only a half of the pile group, whereas the tilting of the raft for both model types is similar under same horizontal loading. Also, the maximum bending moment and its location along the piles differ according to the foundation type.