Effect of Soil Degree of Saturation on Pile Lateral Resistance at Different L/D Ratios

Abstract This study had performed the investigation of behavior for single pile inserted in clay soil. The test was performed under lateral resistance by using different degrees of saturation (Sr.=100, 80, 60, and 40%). A pile of 15x15 mm cross section with different slenderness ratios (L/D) (24, 30, and 36) employed in the study. A steel box with (60x40x60 cm) filled with clay soil layers having density of 16 kN/m 3 at different degrees of saturation. The matric suction measured using Em50 potential sensors. The impact of saturation degree, matric suction and slenderness ratio on pile lateral resistance is examined. The results illustrate that pile lateral resistance influenced considerably by the saturation degree, matric suction, and slenderness ratio. The results showed that when saturation degree reduced from 100% to (80, 60, and 40%) lateral resistance of pile increased at all L/D used (24, 30, and 36). As example lateral resistance of pile of L/D (24) at saturated condition (Sr.=100%) is (65 N), by decreasing Sr. to (80, 60, and 40%) Lateral resistance becomes (210, 165, and 100 N) respectively, the percent increase in lateral resistance was (223, 154, and 54%) respectively.