Large-Scale Modeling and Theoretical Investigation of Lateral Collisions on Elevated Piles

Abstract

AbstractLarge deflection is mobilized in elevated piles of nonnavigable piers and some flexible protective systems subjected to lateral ship collisions. Because the current bridge design specifications are only suitable for the design of rigid foundations, new analysis and design methods are required for these flexible elevated piles. A large-scale lateral static load test and an additional three impact tests on piles in low liquid limit silt (ML) soil were carried out in a large soil tank. Both static and dynamic soil pressures on the pile shaft were measured, and then the soil-pile interaction was studied in detail. Based on the results, static hyperbolic p-y curves of the piles were derived for dynamic p-y curve models. Through investigations of three linear and nonlinear soil-pile dynamic interaction models, the dynamic p-y curve models with nonlinear static stiffness coefficients and constant damping coefficients are recommended for the analysis of piles subjected to lateral impact loading. Verified ...