Nonlinear Analysis of Laterally LoadedRock-Socketed Shafts

Abstract

In this paper, a nonlinear continuum method is developed to predict the load-displacement response of drilled shafts under lateral loading. The method can consider drilled shafts in a continuum consisting of a soil layer overlying a rock mass layer. The deformation modulus of the soil is assumed to vary linearly with depth, and the deformation modulus of the rock mass is assumed to vary linearly with depth and then to stay constant below the shaft tip. The effect of soil and/or rock mass yielding on the behavior of shafts is considered by assuming that the soil and/or rock mass behaves linearly elastically at small strain levels and yields when the soil and/or rock mass reaction force