LATERAL LOAD TEST OF A DRILLED SHAFT IN CLAY

The behavior of a laterally drilled shaft in clay has been investigated by conducting a lateral load test on an instrumented shaft. Lateral deflection, shaft rotation, and soil resistance were measured for each applied load. Dial gages were used toot measure lateral deflection, while the shaft rotation was determined by means of an inclinometer. Pneumatic pressure cells were installed in the shaft at various depths to measure the soil resistance. The applied lateral load was measured with a strain gage load cell. Structural failure of the shaft occurred before the soil failed and prevented the attainment of the ultimate lateral soil resistance. However, it was possilbe to compare the ultimate soil reactions predicted by several analytical procedures with the soil reaction calcualted form the maxium recorded soil resistance. Also, an ultimate lateral load for the test shaft was predicted by various analytical methods. A comparison was made between the maximum recorded load and the various predicted ultimates. Finally, a comparison was made between two ultimate test loads obtained form the technical literature and the ultimate loads predicted by the analytical methods. A tentative procedure for the design of the rigid, laterally loaded drilled shafts is presented. However, additional load tests are needed before the design can be finalized. /FHWA/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Research sponsored by the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation and prepared in cooperation with DOT, Federal Highway Administration.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011
• Authors:
  • Kasch, V R
  • Coyle, H M
  • Bartoskewitz, R E
  • Sarver, W G
• Publication Date: 1977-11

Media Info

• Pagination: 97 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Clay soils; Deflection; Load cells; Load tests; Rotation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Drilled shafts; Soil resistivity
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00182643
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-TX-77-211-1 Intrm Rpt., FCP 40S8-362
• Contract Numbers: Res. Study 2-5-77-21
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 3 1978 12:00AM