Numerical analysis of nonlinear soil–pile group interaction under lateral loads

A nonlinear p–y element was provided which can simply model the behavior of a pile group foundation subjected to lateral loading. Its elasto-plastic side soil is expressed as a Winkler-type distributed model. Despite the simplification involved in modeling such a complex phenomenon the proposed nonlinear soil model can reproduce the system behavior as computed by more rigorous 3D finite element methods. The numerical results are also compared with those from available physical model data to confirm that our simulations can predict the behavior of pile groups with good accuracy.