Mechanical Device for the Application of Lateral Loads on Deep Foundations at a Small Scale

Authors

Almengor, Larisa

Li, Saddy

Miranda, Roberto

Samudio, Krysna

Grajales-Saavedra, Francisco

Abstract

The analysis and design of deep foundations under lateral loading has been a topic of continuous improvement since the first developments around 1960. The maritime industry in the Republic of Panama makes significant use of this foundation system for infrastructure such as ports and berths. This paper presents results from a classroom research project in which a classroom prototype of a lateral load application device loading deep foundations has been developed. Previous results, presented in a companion paper have shown that the experimental data is somewhat in agreement with basic theoretical methods. For this paper, a numerical simulation has been developed using existing methodologies available in the literature and by the use of commercial-grade software. Comparison between experimental and numerical data show that the prototype is able to produce a load-deflection behavior similar to that of a laterally loaded pile, but at a small scale. Due to the artisan nature of the prototype, there are some compromises regarding the accuracy of the data, aspect which makes the prototype not suitable for research purposes. However, the data obtained is considered to be adequate for use as a classroom tool