Discussion

J. CLARKE, BP Engineering

In answer to the question "Were the reference beams for the vertical displacement independently referenced?" asked by a delegate, the answer is yes.

Dr U. MIRZA, Kvaerner, Earl & Wright

A most welcome contribution to our understanding of laterally loaded piles. My first question relates to the fact that the pile head was free. How does that compare with the fixed head pile analysis that we normally assume? What I am saying is: would you expect to have had any differences had you tested a fixed head pile? Are the p-y of free head piles applicable to fixed head piles? Although I bear in mind what we learned about Magnus: that the piles were not completely fixed. Secondly, I wonder why should e50s obtained from consolidated undrained tests give the best correlation. As a pile designer, should I go for CIUs or CAUs or K0CUs or UUs, or what should I do? Thirdly, while we are usually interested in the storm condition, do you have any idea what would have happened at large deflections? I think you have taken the test, correctly so, something like 105/110 mm, while sometimes we are interested in large pile movements especially, for example, if you have a structure to dock against piles, in which case you would really be looking to estimate deflections at very large loads. Is it possible to give an indication on which method you would be recommending to do this sort of thing?