ABSTRACT

Modeling the response of large diameter piles subjected to lateral loading is most often done by means of p-y-curves in combination with Winkler beam models. Traditionally, the p-y curves are formulated in terms of non-linear (elastic) relations between the lateral movement y and the soil response pressure p in terms of monotonic loading (until failure). These curves were established by back-analysis of a series of tests carried out in the 1950es by Matlock and co-workers. The tests were primarily static, monotonic load tests, but also a few cyclic tests were carried out.