Full scale lateral behaviour of monopiles in granular marine soils

Monopiles are used in piers as mooring or berthing dolphins. This article reports the results of full-scale lateral loading tests on monopiles constructed as dolphins in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in southern Iran. The length and diameter of the monopiles were approximately 40 m and 2 m, respectively. Lateral loading tests of such large monopiles are not commonly undertaken, thus there is limited data available. This research developed a lateral analysis of piles computer code to examine analytical methods for pile analysis. Appropriate models were introduced resulting in accurate predictions in the analysis of lateral loaded piles. The results showed that traditional p-y curves and strain wedge models calculate larger pile head deflection in comparison to the field test data and therefore local calibration is essential.