Numerical simulation of passively loaded piles adjacent to embankment constructed on soft Bangkok clay

Embankment construction on soft clay can result in the development of significant lateral soil movement. This soil deformation in soft clay layer induces considerably horizontal passive loading to the adjacent pile foundations and probably causes serviceability problem due to excessive lateral displacement or bending of the piles. In order to investigate the complex soil-pile interaction, the three-dimensional finite element analysis is employed in this study. The passive p-delta curves are presented as the common p-y curves may not properly describe the actual behaviour of passively loaded piles under lateral ground movement. It is found that the generated p-delta curves are obviously dependent on pile spacing. The passive p-delta curves stiffen, whereas the active p-y curves soften when pile spacing decreases. A better understanding of behaviour of passively loaded piles adjacent to embankment constructed on soft Bangkok clay is achieved.