• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.4C
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• pp.175-183
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• 2010

The load distribution and deflection of large diameter piles are investigated by lateral load transfer method (p-y curve). The emphasis is on the effect of the soil continuity in a laterally loaded pile using 3D finite element analysis. A framework for determining a p-y curve is calculated based on the surrounding soil stress. The parametric studies that take into account the soil continuity are also presented in this paper. Through comparisons with results of field load tests, it is found that the prediction by the present approach is in good agreement with the general trend observed by in situ measurements and thus, represents a significant improvement in the prediction of a laterally loaded pile behavior. Therefore, a present study considering the soil continuity would be more economical pile design.