Bearing behaviors and nonlinear theory of pile groups subjected to torque

The pile groups with complex structure or constructed in complex circumstances will be subjected to torque. It is of significance to study their bearing behaviors and to establish relevant calculation theory. According to the characteristic of rotation and load distribution in pile groups subjected to torque, an equation for determining the horizontal load and torque on each pile in the groups is established based on the force equilibrium conditions, and a method for determining twist center location of pile groups with asymmetrically horizontal rigidity distribution of piles is proposed. The coupling effect between piles and loads are analyzed based on recent researches. The method to calculate angle of twist of caps and loads distributed over each pile is obtained by introducing the p-y curve method and the torsion rigidity theory of a single pile. The relevant codes are programmed, and also employed to analyze centrifuge tests on a pile group, and the computed results are compared with the experimental results. The agreement is good. Finally, location offset of twist center of pile cap with asymmetrically horizontal rigidity distribution is analyzed, and some beneficial insights are provided.