AbstractThe OpenSees finite element framework was used to simulate the response of 3×3 and 4×3 pile groups founded in loose and medium dense sands. Several numerical static pushover tests were conducted to investigate the interaction effects for pile groups. The results were then compared with those from centrifuge study. It is shown that our simulations can predict the behaviour of pile groups with good accuracy. Special attention was given to the three dimensional distribution of bending moment. It was found that bending moment develops in the plane perpendicular to the loading direction. In addition, bending moment data from simulations was used to derive p–y curves for individual piles, which were used to illustrate different behaviour of individual piles in the same group. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.