Abstract: A series of model tests is conducted to explore the load transfer behavior of batter piles embedded in sand under vertical loads. The effects of inclined angle of pile and ratio of pile length to its diameter (L/D) on pile shaft axial force, bending moment, shear force, skin friction and the ratio of tip resistance to the pile head load are analyzed. The results show that: the axial force of batter pile subjected to vertical load is less than that of vertical pile; the greater the pile inclination and the ratio of L/D are, the faster the axial force attenuates along the depth. The maximum bending moment of batter pile increases with the increasing of inclined angle as well as the ratio of L/D; but the depth at which the maximum bending moment occurs is only associated with the ratio of L/D. No matter what the magnitudes of the inclined angle and the ratio of L/D are, the maximum shear force always occurs at the pile top; and the maximum shear force increases with the increasing of the pile shaft inclined angle. The larger the pile inclination and the L/D are, the greater the maximum frictional resistance is, the smaller the maximum frictional resistance of the batter pile is; the maximum frictional resistance of the batter pile always occurs at a depth of 1/4-1/5 pile length below the pile head. The end resistance ratio of batter piles increases with the increase of vertical load of the pile, and decreases with the increase of inclination angle and the L/D.

Key words: batter pile, model test, inclined angle of pile, ratio of pile length to shaft diameter, axial force, bending moment, shear force, skin friction