Battered minipile response to low-frequency cyclic lateral loading in very dense sand

Abstract This experimental study investigates the response of vertical and battered minipiles to two-way symmetrical low-frequency (0.1 Hz) cyclic lateral loading. Laboratory (1- g ) tests were performed on scaled-down in very dense cohesionless soil, for batter angles 0°, 25° 45°. The loading is classified into two categories: multi-amplitude long-term single amplitude, where force-controlled load was applied at a constant frequency. instrumented with optic fibres, strain profiles obtained each stage, both compression tension stroke. results are presented terms hysteresis loops, variation normalised stiffness, minipile bending moments under In category, backbone curves show stiffer force–displacement stroke than For single-amplitude area loop largest 45° lowest accumulated deformation. stiffness end 50 cycles highest value slightly greater one. along stabilisation measured before number cycle reaches 50, all three conditions. A multi-surface hardening constitutive model used explain effect shearing loading, increasing amplitude minipiles. These test indicative better performance capability minipiles, secant compared cases.