ABSTRACT
The coefficient of lateral subgrade reaction is smaller for piles with wide width. However, applicability for wide piles of reduction factor for lateral reaction with respect to the pile width in pile structural design is unclear. In this study, a 3D FEM model is used to replicate previously reported lateral loading tests on rectangular piles with different widths. A good correspondence between experiment and analysis is achieved. The size of the soil displacement zone during lateral loading of the piles is examined. Pile width is found to affect the lateral subgrade reaction and the extent of the soil deformation area in all three dimensions.
