Ultimate lateral pile capacity 4

[Sam_Geo]

I frequently design piles subject to lateral loads using hand calcs (i.e. brohms method or similar). Using these methods, I apply a strength reduction factor (typically 0.5) to the ultimate lateral capacity calculated for a given pile.
I also use wallap or allpile to design piles, and when using this software I obtain the bending moments/shear forces in the pile and multiply them by a load factor (usually around 1.5) to check the structural strength of the pile against.
A thought which I've just had - is there anyway to obtain a maximum lateral capacity of a given pile using wallap or allpile or similiar? To which I can then apply a strength reduction factor to obtain the maximum lateral load which can be applied to the pile?. Or using these programs is it only the pile structural forces which can be obtained for a given soil strength and stiffness?
Any thoughts on this?

 

[DaveAtkins]

I would think the deflection of a pile would be unacceptable long before the pile failed. So I think the service deflection controls, not the ultimate strength of the pile or soil.

DaveAtkins

 

[PEinc]

Dave, you beat me to it.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[dik]

There are several formulae that calculate the lateral load resistance for both a laterally restrained top and a non-restrained top. I've used them often to check the depth of embedment working on the assumption that they have been designed for service loading. I don't know how to determine the ultimate capacity. When I first started, I used Reese and Matlock tables, now I have 'handy dandy' SMath formulae.

-----*****-----
So strange to see the singularity approaching while the entire planet is rapidly turning into a hellscape. -John Coates

-Dik

 

[Sam_Geo]

Thanks All. I guess I can argue if the pile structurally isnt over stressed, and the deflections are tolerable, than there is no need to consider what the limit of the lateral resistance of the soil/pile may be.

Thanks,

 

[geotechguy1]

Typically for 'long' piles deflection essentially always governs to the point that people wont bother checking ultimate lateral resistance. It's where you have short piles (more common eg in NZ) that maybe ultimate lateral capacity becomes important.