LATERAL LOAD ANALYSIS OF SINGLE PILES AND DRILLED SHAFTS

The p-y method of analysis models nonlinear behavior, and is an effect ive method of designing deep foundations subjected to lateral loads. D eflections and bending moments calculated using p-y analyses have usua lly been found to be in good agreement with field measurements. This p aper describes a method of analysis, the characteristic load method (C LM) that is simpler than p-y analyses, but that closely approximates p -y analysis results. The method uses dimensional analysis to character ize the nonlinear behavior of laterally loaded piles and drilled shaft s by means of relationships among dimensionless variables. The new met hod is simple enough for use by manual calculation, and it can also be adapted for computer use. Lateral deflections and maximum bending mom ents calculated using CLM have been found to be in good agreement with values measured in field load tests.