SUMMARY
A two-parameter model has been proposed previously for predicting the response of laterally loaded single
piles in homogenous soil. A disadvantage of the model is that at high Poisson's ratio, unreliable results may
be obtained. In this paper, a new load transfer approach is developed to simulate the response of laterally
loaded single piles embedded in a homogeneous medium, by introducing a rational stress "eld. The
approach can overcome the inherent disadvantage of the two-parameter model, although developed in
a similar way. Generalized solutions for a single pile and the surrounding soil under various pile-head and
base conditions were established and presented in compact forms. With the solutions, a load transfer factor,
correlating the displacements of the pile and the soil, was estimated and expressed as a simple equation.
Expressions were developed for the modulus of subgrade reaction for a Winkler model as a unique function
of the load transfer factor. Simple expressions were developed for estimating critical pile length, maximum
bending moment, and the depth at which the maximum moment occurs. All the newly established solutions
and/or expressions, using the load transfer factor, o!er satisfactory predictions in comparison with the
available, more rigorous numerical approaches. The current solutions are applicable to various boundary
conditions, and any pile}soil relative sti!ness. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KEY WORDS: piles; closed-form solutions; lateral loading; soil}structure interaction
