Shear performance evaluation of PHC piles under different levels of axial load ratio

Abstract

AbstractPrecast prestressed high‐strength spun concrete (PHC) piles are one of the common types of piles used in Japan due to its high bearing capacity. These piles have been utilized as an industrial standard since the 1970s as part of earthquake‐resilient foundation systems. The focus of this research is to examine the shear performance of PHC piles subjected to large earthquake loads. Three hollow‐section PHC pile specimens were tested under constant compressive or tensile axial load along with quasi‐static antisymmetric lateral load. An investigation using finite element analysis was carried out to reproduce the damage that occurred during the experiment. Comparison between experimental and analytical results were presented in terms of global and local behaviors of the piles. The finite element models were able to simulate axial splitting cracks that occurred for specimens under axial compression load. In addition, a parametric study was conducted to observe the influence of axial load ratio and shear span to diameter ratio on the shear capacity and failure mode of PHC piles. The study results along with the results from a PHC pile database are compared to the shear design equation proposed in the guidelines for PHC piles from the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ).