Validation of Monotonic and Cyclic p-y Framework by Lateral Pile Load Tests in Stiff, Overconsolidated Clay at the Haga Site

Abstract

Pile foundations supporting offshore structures, such as jacket platforms and wind turbines, are subjected to cyclic lateral loading. The capacity and deformation of these pile foundations under cyclic lateral loading are important and challenging design aspects. This paper presents the results of a series of four lateral load pile tests in an overconsolidated clay at the Haga site and their back-analysis using a p-y framework based on fundamental soil behavior measured in the laboratory at the element level. This framework can account for site-specific cyclic soil properties, summarized in classic contour diagrams, and site-specific cyclic loading characteristics in design. The paper first provides a summary of the framework and outlines the important assumptions and calculation procedures. It then presents a detailed description of the test setup and soil conditions. The pile load test results and the back-analysis are subsequently presented. Generally, a good match between the test results and the model predictions was observed, demonstrating the model’s capability to capture the essential behavior of pile foundations under monotonic and cyclic lateral loading.