Investigation of laterally loaded piles

Literature pertaining to laterally loaded piles was thoroughly reviewed and summarized. Mathematical solutions to the problem are presented in Chapter II and soil behavior is discussed in Chapter III. Critical survey of available methods of analysis indicated that a computer solution based on the difference equations approach represents a practical and flexible tool. Evaluation of various methods of predicting soil response to laterally loaded piles was accomplished through a comparison of theoretical and actual field test results of the limited number of published cases. The conclusion was that both McClelland and Skempton's methods can be used in soft to medium clays and that Terzaghi's method is suitable for sand. The need for further research on the subject was pointed out.