Design of laterally loaded pile In general, piles are designed to carry safely both structural and geotechnical loads.

In certain conditions, a lateral analysis may be carried when the piles are subjected to one of the sources of lateral loads described in AASHTO section 3. In a typical pile design, the design should satisfy the following conditions: 1. Service Limit State In this criterion, the following pile deformations should be checked: a. Vertical deformation b. Horizontal deformation c. Rotation This criterion is satisfied if the deformations evaluated using applicable service limit state load combinations stay within acceptable limits 2. Strength Limit State In this criterion, the following pile resistances should be checked: a. Structural resistance i. Axial: compression, tension ii. Flexure iii. Combined axial and flexure iv. Shear b. Geotechnical resistance i. Side (shear) resistance ii. Tip (bearing) resistance iii. Lateral resistance This criterion is satisfied if the structural and geotechnical resistance evaluated using applicable strength limit state load combinations are lower than the pile strength and the soil strength.

To model the lateral resistance, the following factors should be considered: a. Geotechnical lateral resistance (p-y) b. Geotechnical side resistance (t-z) c. Geotechnical tip resistance (q-z)

d. Frame action within a group e. Pile structural stiffness f. Pile head stiffness Research emphasizes that the use of p-y curves gives better results than the nh concept (rate of increase of soil modulus with depth). Many commercial programs (i.e. COM624P, LPILE, FDPIER, and SWM) have typical embedded p-y curves that allow the design of laterally loaded piles. To account for pile group behavior: A. P- Multiplier method

(AASHTO 2007) Downdrag and lateral squeeze are two geotechnical loading conditions, their occurrence should be carefully reviewed and they should be considered in the design . Downdrag causes a drag load that in LFRD is considered to be an additional permanent structural load with maximum and minimum load factors. It should be considered in the vertical load component. Note that batter piles cannot be used where downdrag can occur. Also static and seismic drag loads should not be combined. Lateral squeeze is a consequence of lateral movements under permanent vertical loads. Lateral squeeze may result in significant permanent lateral load. Preloading is one of the common methods to mitigate lateral squeeze. Note that although AASHTO indicates to consider lateral squeeze in the design, no load factor or guidance are provided. This should be accounted for through the lateral displacement profile imposed on the pile within the soil layer causing lateral squeeze.

Reference AASHTO (2007). AASHTO LFRD Bridge Design Specifications. 6th edition. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, D.C.