M. Hajialilue Bonab - Ph.D. Student, Laboratoire Central Des Ponts et Chaussées-LCPC, France,
J.-L. Chazelas - Ph.D., Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées-LCPC, France,
D. Levacher - Professor, University of Caen, France
A. M. Kaynia - Ph.D., Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, Norway

In order to improve the understanding of soil-pile interaction under horizontal dynamic loads and seismic events, a parametric centrifugal study was undertaken. Flexible piles equipped with pile caps of different masses were impacted at variable levels of force with the help of a new ball gun designed for this purpose. A modeling of models approach justifies the feasibility of such tests as regards to scale effects. A qualitative analysis of the pile behavior is given, including various loading sequences with constant and cumulative impacts, as well as variable and cumulative ones. The inherent basic parameters of soil-pile-interaction have been evaluated. A study related to the damping versus depth and during vibration of pile is carried out.