Numerical Solution of Single Pile Subjected to Simultaneous Torsional and Axial Loads

Abstract

AbstractTorsional loads on pile foundations are induced by the action of eccentric horizontal forces on the supporting structures. Such loading not only initiates twisting at the pile head but also reduces its axial capacity significantly with increased settlement of the foundation. Several theoretical and experimental investigations have already been carried out on piles under torsional load, as evidenced by the available literature on the subject, although contributions on the influence of combined torsional and axial loads on pile foundations are rather limited. This paper presents a novel numerical model (boundary-element method) to analyze the response of a single vertical floating pile subjected to simultaneous torsional and axial loads. The nonlinear stress-strain response of soil has been incorporated in the model by means of the hyperbolic model, whereas the pile material has been idealized as elastic–perfectly plastic. The effect of progressive pile-soil slippage at the interface is considered. ...