Verification of a framework for cyclic p-y curves in clay by hindcast of Sabine River, SOLCYP and centrifuge laterally loaded pile tests

Abstract

Pile foundations supporting offshore structures, such as jacket platforms, are subjected to cyclic lateral loading. The capacity and deformation of these pile foundations under cyclic lateral loading are important and challenging design aspects. The purpose of this paper is to present verification of a framework for analysing the lateral pile response under cyclic loading in clay, based on fundamental soil behaviour measured in the laboratory at the element level. This framework can account for site-specific cyclic soil properties, summarized in classic contour diagrams, and the site-specific cyclic loading characteristics in design. This is a step-change improvement from current codes and standards recommendations which are based on a series of tests on a single pile at a single site (i.e. the Sabine River tests, Matlock 1962, 1970). The paper first provides a brief summary of the framework and outlines the important assumptions and calculation procedures. The paper then presents a comprehensive validation exercise of the framework through back-analyses of three sets of 1-g and centrifuge tests, covering different soil conditions (strength profile, OCR and plasticity) and loading sequences. This hindcast demonstrates the model's capabilities to capture the essential behaviours of pile foundations under cyclic lateral loading and its added value as a design tool, when compared with current practice.