Abstract
This paper presents the results of a numerical study aiming at simulating the response of an unsaturated fine-grained soil under wetting and gravitational loading processes. This study is based on the results of some centrifuge tests carried out to assess the influence of partial saturation on the laterally loaded pile response. The hydro-mechanical behaviour of the silty soil is described using a constitutive model adapted to unsaturated conditions. The model predictions are compared with the measurements provided by LVDTs and laser transducers in the first phases of the experimental study. Besides validating the model, the numerical study aimed at investigating the influence of the after-compaction conditions on both the displacement field and the evolution of the more significant state variables during imbibition and gravitational loading processes. Finally, an additional analysis is conducted to determine the effects of the pile installation on the soil response.
Highlights
In geotechnical engineering practice, pile foundations are designed assuming fully saturated or dry soil conditions
The experimental study conducted by Lalicata et al [1] aimed at assessing the influence of partial saturation on the response of laterally loaded piles installed in fine-grained soils
The numerical study presented in this paper aims at investigating the soil response during the imbibition and in-flight phases
Summary
Pile foundations are designed assuming fully saturated or dry soil conditions. The experimental study conducted by Lalicata et al [1] aimed at assessing the influence of partial saturation on the response of laterally loaded piles installed in fine-grained soils. The centrifuge tests were performed on loose and dense soils under fully and partially saturated conditions. The numerical results presented in this paper refer to the looser unsaturated soil layer and aim at investigating the soil response during the imbibition and in-flight phases. A series of numerical analyses were performed to: validate the model in a real case study; determine the impact of the after-compaction conditions on both the displacement field and the evolution of the more significant hydro-mechanical variables;. The influence of the after-compaction conditions and the installation procedure on the soil response is investigated
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