LPILE is a special-purpose program based on rational procedures for analyzing a pile under lateral loading using the p-y method. LPILE
solves the differential equation for a beam-column using nonlinear
lateral load-transfer (p-y) curves. The program computes deflection,
bending moment, shear force and soil response over the length of the
pile.
As an option, components of the stiffness matrix at the pile head may be computed internally by LPILE so users can incorporate basic soil-structure interaction in their super-structure analyses. Another option from LPILE
provides graphs of pile-head deflections for various pile lengths, to
help users with optimum pile penetrations (for lateral response).
Nonlinear
lateral load-transfer from the foundation to the soil is modeled using
p-y curves generated internally using published recommendations for
various types of soils. Special procedures are programmed for computing
p-y curves for layered soils and for rocks. Alternatively, the user can
enter manually any other externally generated ip-y curves.
Five
types of pile-head boundary conditions may be selected, and the
structural properties of the pile can vary as a function of depth. LPILE
has analytical features to compute the nonlinear moment-curvature
relationships and nominal moment capacity of a pile’s section based on
specified pile dimensions and nonlinear material properties. Optionally,
the user may enter nonlinear moment-curvature relationships to be used
in place of the internally-generated values. LPILE provides several design recommendations for rebar arrangements in drilled shafts.