A non-linear three-dimensional pile–soil model for vibratory pile installation in layered media

Abstract

This paper presents a computationally efficient model for vibratory pile installation. A semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) model for thin cylindrical shells is derived to represent the pile. The linear dynamic response of the soil medium is described by means of Green’s functions via the Thin-Layer Method (TLM) coupled with Perfectly Matched Layers (PMLs) to account for the underlying elastic half-space. Furthermore, the non-linear pile–soil interaction is addressed through a history-dependent frictional interface and a visco-elasto-plastic tip reaction model that can be characterized on the basis of standard geotechnical in-situ measurements. The solution to the non-linear dynamic pile–soil interaction problem is based on the sequential application of the Harmonic Balance Method (HBM). The constituent components of the model are first benchmarked against established numerical schemes. Subsequently, model predictions are compared with experimental data collected from field tests. It is demonstrated that the proposed model amalgamates rigorous theoretical elements and promising prediction capabilities in a computationally efficient framework, applicable to engineering practice.