Simulation of concrete pile-shafts subjected to lateral loads

Abstract

This study uses the numerical method to analyze inelastic beam on nonlinear Winkler's foundation model, considering the soil-pile interaction effect. The nonlinear behavior of the pile is described by the moment curvature relationship of the section, and the lateral soil pressure is modeled as the resistance from a serious of nonlinear p-y springs. A set of nonlinear differential equations is developed to simulate the laterally loaded soil-pile system. The pile deformation, curvature distribution and lateral soil pressure along the pile are obtained by the numerical solution of the model for various level of pile-head displacement. Analysis results also clearly illustrate the formation of plastic hinge, development of plastic rotation, redistribution of bending moment after yielding, and the rapid increase of inelastic curvature at the plastic hinge. The equivalent plastic hinge length of the yielded piles is also assessed using the inelastic curvature distribution obtained from the analysis. Results indicated that the equivalent plastic hinge length is not only dependent on the level of the imposed lateral displacement but also related to the post yield flexural rigidity of the pile section.