Reliability of rigid piles subjected to lateral loads

In this paper the complete solution to the problem of random lateral bearing capacity of rigid piles has been presented. The suggested solution is based on the limit states theory approach proposed by Brinch Hansen [2]. A revised approach utilising the response surface method is proposed and compared with the solution presented in earlier papers. Both cases of non-cohesive and cohesive soils are studied. In addition, the influence of spatial averaging is also analysed. Numerical algorithms, for both cases of cohesive and cohesionless soils, have been developed in order to evaluate probability of lateral bearing capacity exceeding. As it has been demonstrated random fluctuations of soil properties can cause significant changes in the value of ultimate lateral loading determined according to the Brinch Hansen method. Series of numerical examples under consideration give some important conclusions concerning an influence of soil properties randomness on safety evaluations.