Abstract
Derivation of p-y curves from lateral load tests on deep foundations is a tedious and expensive task, requiring large numbers of strain gages along the length of the pile to develop bending moment versus depth relationships. A method is proposed which allows derivation of p-y curves from simple inclinometer data using a least-squares regression technique. Inclinometer measurements can and have been routinely made on lateral load tests of piles and drilled shafts. The method outlined in this paper provides a means of “calibrating” p-y curves using data from tests where only inclinometer data are available and promises to allow a substantial improvement in the database of load tests from which the empirical p-y curves used in design are based.
