Model tests on behavior of axially loaded piles subjected to lateral soil movement

The construction of underground engineering or tunnel excavations will lead to displacement of the surrounding soil. Lateral soil movement may have a negative influence on the bearing characteristics of axially loaded piles. A series of model tests are carried out to analyze the behavior of axially loaded piles subjected to lateral soil movement. Effects of lateral soil movement, different axial loads and pile group effects on the response of piles are analyzed. Results from model test show that the bending moment and deflection of the piles increase with the increase of lateral soil movements or the increase of the axial loads. Furthermore, the front pile has curtain effect on the back pile. The bending moment and deflection of the back pile decrease obviously for the existence of front pile. Therefore, the coupling effect of lateral soil movement and axial loads should be taken into account in practical design of pile foundations.