Abstract:

The working characteristics of a pile group containing raked piles are analyzed with a simplified model by means of finite element method. Two cases are considered in the analysis and calculation （ 1 ） the pile group is loaded by vertical and lateral loads but without horizontal ground movements; and （2） the pile group is loaded not only by vertical and lateral loads but also by horizontal ground movements. In each case, the effects of raked piles on some main characteristics such as the group settlement, the lateral deflection and rotation as well as the pile loads and moments are analyzed. It is found that, when the pile group is only loaded by vertical and lateral loads, raked piles obviously improve the performance of pile group, especially with respect to the reduction of lateral deflection. However, the bearing capacity of pile group decreases with the existence of horizontal movements of the ground because the raked piles may result in additional bending moments and lateral pile deflections.

Key words: settlement, horizontal movement, raked pile, bearing capacity