CPT-based estimation of ultimate load capacity for laterally loaded piles in sands

In this study, a CPT-based methodology for the estimation of the ultimate lateral pile load capacity is investigated. The investigation is based on the fact that the cone resistance and ultimate lateral pile load capacity are given as a function of similar state soil variables such as the horizontal effective stress and relative density. Due to non-homogenous characteristics of natural soil deposits, the estimation of lateral pile load capacity represents significant difficulties. Therefore the CPT-based methodology can provide an effective way applicable for non-homogeneous soils with full consideration of soil profiles with depth. A case example is adopted to compare results from the original and CPT-based methods. Experimental test results are collected and compared with calculated results obtained using the CPT-based method. It is seen that measured ultimate lateral pile load capacities match well calculated values, confirming the validity of the method using CPT results.