Abstract
An empirical equation that predicts the load distribution as well as the later deformations of laterally loaded pile groups from middle to large deformation has been derived in this paper. A new parameter αgi (factor of stiffness reduction) that considers the supperposition of the strain field in a soil layer, especially in the plastic zone, was introduced in the equation as well as the pure interaction factor αij between piles. As for the interaction factor αij, expressions based on elastict theory have been proposed by several reserches, the representative one was by Randolph. However, the test results show that under large deformation the interaction between piles was largely affected by the plasticization of soils.
The empirical equation was expressed as a function of pile internal distance, the number of pile rows, direction of load and load.
The expression was based on the test results of one kind of soils. The prediction gives good agreements with experiment data in load deformation relations and load distribution between piles.
