Effect of Load Inclination on the Lateral Resistance of Belled Piles: A Numerical Approach

Abstract

Belled piles are commonly used in geotechnical engineering to provide foundation support in unstable soils. These piles are characterized by an enlarged base, increasing the pile’s load-bearing capacity. Inclined loads are experienced in various engineering applications, such as retaining walls, bridge abutments, and slope stabilization. This study conducts a numerical analysis of belled piles subjected to inclined loads using a finite element approach. The present study investigates the behaviour of belled piles under inclined loads and evaluates their performance in terms of deformation, stress distribution, and load-carrying capacity. The model considers the interaction between the pile and the surrounding soil. The inclined load is applied at various angles to investigate its effect on the pile response. The numerical analysis reveals that several factors, including the angle and magnitude of the applied load, the L/D ratio and the geometry of the belled pile, influence the behaviour of the belled pile under an inclined load. The results show that the deformation and stress distribution in a pile is influenced by the inclination angle of the applied load, with higher inclination angles resulting in larger pile deformations and stress concentrations at the base of the pile. The lateral resistance of the belled pile with a bell angle of 3° significantly carries 21% more load than that of 7°. The findings of this study provide insights into the behaviour of belled piles subjected to inclined loads. They can be used to guide the design and analysis of belled pile foundations in geotechnical engineering projects. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.