ABSTRACT
Structures, like bridge abutments, retaining walls etc., supported by pile foundation are exposed to huge lateral loads such as wind and earthquake loads. A pile having fins is a recently developed technology that is capable of supporting huge lateral loads. In the current work an effort is made to assess the upgrading in lateral resistance of a pile with fins fitted near to the pile head. Typical tests were done on both normal piles lacking (fins) and piles having fins. These piles were embedded in sand. The experimental studies were made by changing the length, width, and shape of the fins. Results shows that there is a significant rise in lateral load carrying capacity of the piles while providing the fins near to the pile head. The enhancement in lateral capacity of pile by fitting fins on a pile differs with size and shape of the fins. Based on the outcomes of the model test’s in the laboratory, optimal values of fin variables for maximum upgrading are proposed.
