Optimum shape and length of laterally loaded piles

This study deals with optimum geometry design of laterally loaded piles in a Winkler's medium through the Fully Stressed Design (FSD) method. A numerical algorithm distributing the mass by means of the FSD method and updating the moment by finite elements is implemented. The FSD method is implemented here using a simple procedure to optimise the beam length using an approach based on the calculus of variations. For this aim two conditions are imposed, one transversality condition at the bottom end, and a one sided constraint for moment and mass distribution in the lower part of the beam. With this approach we derive a simple condition to optimise the beam length. Some examples referred to different fields are reported. In particular, the case of laterally loaded piles in Geotechnics is faced.