Effect of Surface Area of Fins on the Behaviour of Piles Under Combined Loading Conditions

The conventional foundation design methods consider these loads independently. However, these loads often act together and their independent existence is rare. Finned piles are found to be a better alternative to monopiles in resisting lateral loads. Lateral load carrying capacity of the foundation is highly significant in the case of tall structures. In the present study, the response of finned piles to lateral loads under combined loading conditions has been investigated. Small-scale laboratory model tests were performed on monopiles and finned piles embedded in sand. The studies were carried out by varying the geometric factors such as length, width and area of the fins. From the studies, it was found that the lateral load carrying capacity of the finned piles increases considerably in comparison with monopiles. The tests revealed that the lateral capacity is a function of the surface area of fins. Under combined loading, a logarithmic relationship between the increase in lateral resistance capacity and the surface area of the fins was identified.