Behavior of laterally and vertically loaded piles in multi-layered transversely isotropic soils

In this paper, a coupled approach of the finite element method (FEM) and the analytical layer-element method (ALEM) is proposed to conduct a research on vertically and laterally loaded piles. The FEM is used to model the pile, and the ALEM is utilized to solve the multi-layered transversely isotropic soils. Then with the assumption of force equilibrium and deformation compatibility, the interaction equation of pile and soils is obtained. Finally, the behavior of piles simultaneously subjected to lateral and vertical loads in layered transversely isotropic soils is investigated by considering the influence of lateral–vertical loads interaction and soft soil stratum.