Upper bound solution of a laterally loaded rigid monopile in normally consolidated clay

Abstract

A centrifuge test is performed to investigate the ultimate lateral capacity of a free-head rigid monopile foundation in normally consolidated (NC) clay. Based on the test result, an upper-bound velocity field is constructed to illustrate the evolution of the soil resisting mechanisms with the progressive rotation and the effect on reaction forces during loading. Simultaneously finite element analyses are also employed to model the centrifuge test and verify the conclusion of the upper bound analysis. Finally, an empirical expression is presented for predicting the upper-bound collapse loads of monopiles with different eccentricity/length ratios and length/diameter ratios in NC clay.