Experimental study of the effect of inclined pile on the seismic behavior of pile group

Seismic behavior of inclined piles has been considered detrimental for years. However, recent researches show that battered piles can have a beneficial effect. In this framework, a series of centrifuge tests on an inclined pile group is performed. The analysis is based on the comparative response of two 2×1 simplified pile groups: one with vertical piles and the other with one vertical and one inclined pile. The response of these pile groups to repeated earthquakes or sinusoidal inputs is analyzed through the response frequencies, the envelop curves of bending moment profiles, the axial loads measured in both piles and the kinematic response of the cap. Results highlight that the effect of inclined pile is highly influenced by the frequency content of the input. In addition, the inclined pile induces non-negligible residual bending moments, higher horizontal stiffness at the pile cap and larger rotation.

► Seismic centrifuge tests are performed to highlight the effect of inclined pile. ► Cap response and pile stresses are measured during seismic and sinusoidal events. ► The effects of inclined pile are largely influenced by the input frequency. ► Presence of inclined pile increases residual bending moments. ► Inclined pile induces larger lateral stiffness and larger rotation of the footing.