Effect of Shaft Diameter of Pile on Lateral Winkler Springs’ Stiffness

Abstract

Soil was modelled with linearly elastic three-dimensional finite elements. Lateral spring stiffness was calculated from FE results. Spring stiffness is shown varying linearly with shaft diameter. It is also found that spring stiffness is inversely proportional to powers (less than unity) of pile flexural rigidity. Scaling factors for shaft diameter and pile flexural rigidity are introduced. Basic stiffness of lateral spring is studied considering both full vertical slippage and zero slippage between the soil and the pile. Relevant relationships for stiffness are proposed. Some applications are suggested.