Centrifuge modelling of long piles subjected to lateral loading with high load eccentricity in sand

In this research paper, five centrifuge lateral loading tests of long piles with a considerable load eccentricity were carried out in the sand to investigate the impacts of the load eccentricity and pile length changes on the lateral behavior of a flexible pile beside the determination of experimental p-y curves.Comparing experimental test results with the recommended API (American Petroleum Institute) curves clarifies what is nowadays identified as the difference between the behaviors of monopiles and flexible piles how far can be affected by the load eccentricity. Additionally, the efficiency and accuracy of the available equipment at the University of Tehran have also been investigated. Results show that although the load eccentricity affects p-y curves, the current design approach can lead to a proper design even at high load eccentricities. In most tests, the initial stiffness in p-y curves is lower than that of the guidelines. Also, the hyperbolic model shows a closer estimation to the experimental test results.