# Comprehensive Evaluation of Lateral Performance of Innovative Post in Sand
## 1 Introduction  
Steel H-piles find extensive application in providing support for structures like retaining walls, bridges, and sound walls. These constructions face lateral forces resulting from factors like retained soil and external elements such as wind and earthquakes. Consequently, substantial lateral loads and bending moments are imposed on their foundations. The repetitive occurrence of wind and earthquake forces can trigger significant and permanent lateral shifts in pile foundations, posing a potential risk of diminishing their lateral capacity [1, 2]. This aspect holds particular significance in the design process, especially in scenarios involving substantial lateral loads and relatively lower vertical loads, as observed in the case of sound walls. Numerous theoretical and practical investigations have been carried out to assess the lateral performance and capacity of individual piles. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [3] presented comprehensive solutions for the lateral resistance of vertically loaded piles through non-dimensional analysis. [PERSON] [4] explored the impact of combined loads (both vertical and lateral) on pile lateral response. For calculating pile-head deflection resulting from lateral loads, [PERSON] [5] introduced a simplified method grounded in subgrade modulus theory, assuming a linear increase in soil subgrade modulus with depth and linear elasticity of the soil. [PERSON] [6] and [PERSON] et al. [7] introduced the concept of nonlinear (p-y) curves,widely employed to determine lateral deflection, moment, and shear in piles subjected to lateral loads. This p-y curve is based on the subgrade reaction modulus approach developed by [PERSON] [8], replacing the soil around the pile with a series of closely spaced independent and elastic springs. Numerous research studies have examined the lateral capacity of innovative pile foundations, including those employing tapered piles and fin piles as explored in studies [9; 10; 11]. In a notable contribution, [PERSON] et al. [12] conducted a comprehensive three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis specifically focusing on the lateral loading of fin piles. Short-drilled shafts are commonly used to support laterally loaded sound walls because of their high lateral and uplift capacity. However, drilled shafts are considered unsustainable because their construction consumes a large amount of concrete [13]. In addition, the concrete curing process is time-consuming and may delay the construction schedule of sound walls, which affects the road work and causes traffic constrictions. Meanwhile, H-piles offer fast installation, reduced cost, eliminate the use of concrete, and are rendered immediately functional providing overall project cost and time savings. However, they lack the necessary lateral rigidity to fully sustain wind loads acting on superstructures, thus improvement is required to enhance their lateral rigidity and increase their lateral capacity. Existing approaches involve enhancing the surrounding soil, adjusting the dimensions of the pile, and employing battered piles. A few studies investigated the effect of increasing the pile's cross-section or stiffening the pile by adding plates to a steel pile. [PERSON] [14] conducted laboratory small-scale tests simulating a prototype monopile 6 m in diameter and 25 m long embedded in sand. The result showed that the paddled pile is 65% stiffer than the plain pile. [PERSON] [15] conducted full-scale tension tests on driven finned piles. A total of four fins were welded to steel pipe piles embedded in an alluvial sandy silt supporting elevated solar panels. [PERSON] [16; 17] carried out a small-scale experimental as well as numerical analysis to assess the lateral capacity of a steel pipe pile fitted with steel plates. The lateral capacity of the finned piles increased by 15% to 98% based on the number of fines and their orientation, and the lateral deflection decreased by over 65% compared to monopiles. In addition, the pile length required to achieve the same lateral performance was reduced by as much as 40%.