Abstract
The estimation of base resistance is a key step in the design of piles embedded in moderately dense to dense sand. Calibration chamber plate load tests are sometimes used to investigate the base load - settlement relationship of nondisplacement piles in sand. In such tests, the sand specimens are carefully prepared to simulate the installation of nondisplacement piles. In this paper, calibration chamber tests are analyzed using the finite element method; experimental and numerical results are compared. The finite element models are axisymmetric and use a nonlinear, elastic-plastic constitutive model. Plate resistance values predicted using the finite element analysis are shown to be in good agreement with measured values, which validates the proposed numerical model. Questions regarding the existence of calibration chamber size effects have not, to this date, been adequately addressed. Finite element analyses of both pile base resistance and plate resistance for sands with various relative densities and stress states show that size effects are usually small for settlement levels of interest in practice. This suggests that the use of calibration chambers in pile base capacity studies is justified.Key words: calibration chambers, plate load tests, constitutive modeling, size effects, piles, sands.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
