Idealization of pile to pile-cap connection with respect to lateral loads

This thesis is concerned with study of behavior of pile to pile-cap connection with respect to lateral loads. In this connection prestressed precast concrete piles and reinforced concrete pile caps were given particular attention.General parameters for the design of pile-pile cap connection are discussed with reference to ACI Code and New Zealand Code. Seismic design philosophies for prestressed concrete pile and reinforced concrete pile cap connections are given in the summary form.A review of the previous works concerning pile-pile cap connections is given along with comments. The properties of main materials, ie, concrete and steel are discussed, elaborating their physical models.Analytical methods for analysis are discussed with a short review of the analytical as well as mathematical models for concrete and steel. Reinforced concrete models are discussed for the finite element method of analysis. Seismic design methodology for bridge piers is discussed in order to develop understandings of the possible origins and effects of the lateral loads on the pile-pile cap connections.Design of reinforced concrete pile cap is discussed along with assumptions, design steps and explanatory examples according to ACI Code as well as New Zealand Code.Six pile-pile cap connections are modelled incorporating the improved material properties as well as detailing of reinforcement. The analysis of these models is carried out by the finite element method, using 'ABAQUS' program, and the results are compared with the experimental results. The proposed models have shown satisfactory results in most of the areas. There are valuable indications of requirements for further research in some areas.Finally, a number of recommendations are offered on the basis of the observations made and conclusions drawn during this study. Recommendations are also made for areas demanding further research for better understanding of the behavior of pile-pile cap connections. Comments are offered about "ABAQUS" for the aspects which demand further elaboration for better understanding and convenient application of the program.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio