LatPilePY is a User Defined Function (UDF) used to analyse the deflections and load actions in laterally loaded piles.  It was presented in this post: LatPilePY.  In response to an e-mail request, this post will give step by step instructions for using this function.

The first step, for those not familiar with the use of array functions, is to read through this post: Using Array Formulas.

Next step; have a look at the example in the spreadsheet in Range A135:F165 on the LPile sheet, and compare with the description of the function arguments given in Cell A5:

The steps in using the function are:

1. Enter the required details for each of the function arguments (Segments, Loads, etc) in any convenient location on the spreadsheet.  See the examples and documentation in the download file for details.
2. Choose a location for the function results, and in the top left hand corner cell enter the function as shown above.  Note that the argument ranges do not include the descriptive text in the columns to the left of the data; that is for documentation purposes and has no effect on the function output.
3. Enter the function as an array function, covering the desired output range: select the output range, with the function in the top left hand corner; press F2; press Ctrl-Shift-Enter.  See the link above for more details.

Details of each argument range are:
Segments ($A$59:$B$60): 2 column range listing pile length and number of segments

Loads ($D$59:$D$65): 7 row single column range listing applied loads at head of pile:

Segments and Loads

Soil Table (C74:E80):  Range listing soil properties, 7 rows x 1 column for each soil type

Soil Table

Sections Table (D111:E123):  Range listing pile section properties, 3 to 13 rows x 1 column for each section type

Sections Table

PY Tables (B86:C108):  Contiguous range with 2 columns for each table: pile deflection(Y) and support force per unit length (P).

PY curves are used for those soil layers with “PY” in row 2 of the soil table, and Table Number in row 3.

PY Table

Defaults (D127:D131):  Change system defaults; available parameters and default values are listed below.

Defaults Table

To change the data for the example in the download spreadsheet simple overtype the sample data. The function results will update automatically.

To use the function as entered in the example with changed data ranges:

1. Select the top left hand corner of the output range.
2. Press F2 to enter Edit mode.
3. Change the ranges as required, either by over-typing, or selecting the ranges on the spreadsheet.
4. Press Ctrl-Shift-Enter to re-enter the function as an array function.