New method for non-linear analysis of laterally loaded flexible piles

The authors' previous application of non-linear analysis of the behavior of rigid piles is extended to the elastic and plastic behavior of flexible piles under lateral load. Using Broyden's approach of solving non-linear simultaneous equations and the conventional p-y concept, a new numerical method of non-linear analysis is developed. Comparisons of the results computed by present method with the results of previous similar methods are presented to show the efficiency and usefulness of the present method. For flexible piles a study of the relationship between effective depth De and relative pile stiffness Kr for both elastic and plastic ranges is carried out. Thus the analytical basis for the method using previous results of the bearing capacity and displacements of laterally loaded rigid piles to predict those of flexible piles is provided.