MODEL TESTS AND ANALYSES OF LATERALLY LOADED PILE GROUPS

Lateral loading tests were carried out on model free-headed pile groups. The test piles were embedded in sand which was prepared by the boiling method. Data on group efficiency with pile spacing are presented for comparison with theoretical predictions based on the method developed by M.F.Randolph (1981). The predicted and measured values of group efficiency are generally in good agreement, with a maximum discrepancy of about 30%. Some parametric studies on the behaviour of laterally loaded prototype pile groups are also made using Randolph's equation.