Load displacement analysis of a single pile in an unsaturated expansive soil.

Abstract A three-step computer program is developed for simulating the load-displacement response of a single pile in unsaturated expansive soil taking account of influence of water infiltration. In the first step, peak and residual pile-interface shear strength variation with suction are estimated. The relationship between interface shear strength and pile-soil relative displacement and pile base resistance and pile base settlement is achieved by modifying universal transfer curve model, in the second step. Lastly, traditional load transfer method was modified for analyzing the load-displacement response. The validity of program is verified using a laboratory model test and a field investigation case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]