Finite Element Analysis for Isolated Pile
Foundation
Synopsis report submitted in partial fulfillment for the
award of the degree of
M.E Structural Engineering
Submitted by
Shubhrat
23MCE10010
Department of Civil Engineering
Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
1. Introduction
Literature Review
(Ashour et al., 2004) investigated the application of the Strain Wedge (SW) model for
analysing the response of laterally loaded isolated piles, drilled shafts, and pile groups in
layered soil and rock deposits. Unlike traditional approaches, the SW model integrates
various factors such as nonlinear soil and pile material behaviour, soil liquefaction potential,
pile interference in groups, and pile cap contribution. It accurately assesses the soil-pile
interaction through realistic p-y curve determination rather than empirical adoption. The SW
model considers pile and soil properties, offering a more comprehensive analysis of laterally
loaded pile groups without requiring additional adjustments for pile interference. Its three-
dimensional approach provides a holistic understanding of soil-pile dynamics, making it a
valuable tool for engineering analysis.
(Muthukkumaran K et al., 2004) investigated the effects of sloping ground on structures
subjected to lateral soil movement, drawing comparisons with horizontal ground conditions.
To gain insights into this behaviour, we conducted experimental tests on individual piles. The
results reveal several crucial observations. Firstly, irrespective of ground surface or soil
density, deflection increases proportionally to the surcharge load. Secondly, the maximum
deflection is observed in sloping ground with a low relative density of 30%, while the
minimum deflection occurs in high-density (70%) horizontal ground. Thirdly, pile head
deflection in sloping ground with 30% relative density is approximately three times higher
than in horizontal ground with the same density and 1.5 times higher than sloping ground
with 70% density. Furthermore, increasing relative density beyond 17d depth in horizontal
ground does not significantly impact bending moment variation. Lastly, while increasing
relative density does not notably affect the maximum bending moment depth in horizontal
ground, it demonstrates a significant impact in sloping ground conditions. These findings
emphasize the critical importance of considering ground slope and relative density when
designing pile-supported structures in areas susceptible to lateral soil movement.
(Fellenius, 2006) Comprehensive full-scale pile tests conducted between the 1960s and
1990s across various countries, including Norway, Sweden, Japan, Canada, Australia, the
United States, and Singapore, have consistently demonstrated the occurrence of substantial
drag loads in piles installed within soft and loose soil conditions. These tests encompassed
both driven steel and precast concrete piles. The findings indicate that the load transfer
mechanism between soil and pile, influenced by effective stress, facilitates the mobilization
of ultimate shaft shear values even with minimal pile movement. Notably, pile toe resistance
is impacted by downdrag and subsequent reconsolidation, resulting in significant drag load
development. An equilibrium state is established between sustained loads applied at the pile
head and the opposing drag load, with the neutral plane representing the point where soil
and pile exhibit equal movement. Drag loads assume critical importance for exceptionally
long piles, potentially surpassing their structural strength capacity. Furthermore, downdrag,
particularly relevant for short piles with limited load-bearing capacity, is influenced by soil
settlement occurring at the neutral plane. It is essential to recognize that relying solely on
undrained shear strength for estimating load distribution may yield unreliable results,
underscoring the intricate nature of pile-soil interactions.
(Rajashekhar Swamy et al., 2011) investigated two extreme scenarios of horizontal
displacement compatibility between foundations and soil to analyze structural responses
using three-dimensional models and numerical experiments. The first scenario assumes
complete slip between the foundation and soil, known as uncoupled analysis, while the
second scenario assumes complete welding of joints, known as coupled analysis. Results
indicate significant variations in horizontal displacements, stresses, and member end actions
between the two analyses. Notably, settlements and differential settlements remain
unaffected by the presence or absence of interface elements in structures supported by
isolated footings. However, for structures supported by mat foundations, both settlements
and differential settlements are significantly impacted. The inclusion of interface elements is
crucial in evaluating member end actions, emphasizing the importance of considering soil-
structure interaction in three-dimensional multiscale structures.
(Ghazavi et al., 2014) conducted the interaction dynamics within a group of two vertical and
inclined piles, focusing on the impact of the neighboring pile and batter angle. A closed-form
solution characterizes the behavior of isolated prismatic piles, assuming elastic soil and pile
behavior. Numerical analyses using FLAC3D validate the analytical solution. Results reveal
that the presence of the neighboring pile reduces ground movement at the source pile head.
Parametric studies highlight the influence of factors such as pile-pile distance, group
geometry, pile length, and inclined angles. Increasing pile spacing diminishes interaction
between batter piles, while interaction decreases with higher departure angles. Additionally,
higher batter angles relative to the vertical direction correlate with reduced interaction.
These findings emphasize the importance of pile spacing, departure angle, and batter angle
in understanding interaction dynamics within pile groups, as demonstrated by the developed
analytical solution.
(Khodair & Abdel-Mohti, 2014) investigated the intricate relationship between piles and soil
under lateral loading, utilizing advanced numerical analysis techniques. Employing finite
difference (FD) and finite element (FE) modeling methodologies, we meticulously construct a
2D FD model of stiff clay soil devoid of free water using LPILE software. Simultaneously, two
3D FE models are meticulously developed within Abaqus/Cae and SAP2000, providing a
comprehensive analysis framework.
To gain a deeper understanding of the pile-soil interaction, we conduct a series of
parametric studies, systematically varying design parameters such as modulus of elasticity
and soil volume surrounding the pile. The results obtained from these studies reveal a
remarkable correlation between the FE models and FD solutions, instilling confidence in the
accuracy of our modeling techniques. Furthermore, we observe that increasing the modulus
of elasticity effectively reduces discrepancies in predicted bending moments and lateral
displacements, while augmenting the clay volume around the pile significantly enhances its
resistance to lateral loading. These findings underscore the critical role of material
properties and soil conditions in pile design. To ensure the reliability of our models, we
meticulously define boundary conditions, including fixed bottom pile embedment and
guided fixation at the top. Additionally, we conduct convergence studies to optimize mesh
density and soil diameters, ensuring accurate representation of the physical phenomena. In
conclusion, this research underscores the significance of meticulous analysis in optimizing
pile-soil interaction under lateral loading, a crucial aspect in engineering design and practice.
By leveraging advanced numerical modeling techniques and systematically investigating key
parameters, we provide valuable insights for engineers seeking to optimize pile foundation
systems.
(Huang et al., 2015) investigated over negative skin friction (NSF) on pile groups in
consolidating sand have provided valuable insights into the behavior of piles under varying
load conditions. Notably, increasing the surrounding load from 20kPa to 120kPa results in a
shift in the neutral plane of single piles from 0.8L to 0.95L (pile length). Furthermore, pile
head settlement and NSF are observed to be smaller under side load compared to
surrounding load, with a higher neutral plane location. In pile groups subjected to side load,
NSF and neutral plane depth exhibit a distinct pattern, with the following sequence: interior
piles, interior-perimeter piles, corner-perimeter piles, and corner piles. Additionally, the
effective stress coefficient in sand ranges from 0.38 to 0.19, demonstrating a decreasing
trend with higher surrounding load. Under side load, the axial force is approximately 0.75
times that under surrounding load. Consequently, pile settlement and NSF decrease under
side load, with a more pronounced NSF difference between corner and interior piles
compared to surrounding load conditions. It is worth noting that group effects become
insignificant when pile spacing reaches 5 times the pile diameter.
(Abdrabbo & Ali, 2015) investigated the effects of dragload and downdrag on single piles in
consolidating soil, considering the influence of axial pile load and surrounding surcharge.
Three-dimensional nonlinear analyses are conducted using ABAQUS 6.12 to assess the
impact of pile head load, pile tip location, and surcharge area size on these effects. The
results indicate that unloaded shielded piles generate a "soil hang up" effect, leading to a
reduction in vertical effective stress around the shielded pile. The shear stress mobilization
factor β ranges from zero at the neutral plane (NP) to 0.27 along unloaded shielded central
piles. The long-term dragload of shielded floating piles is approximately 67% of that
experienced by unshielded single piles. A dimensionless parameter b is introduced to
calculate negative skin friction, taking into account pile head load, tip movement constraints,
stratum stiffness, and clay consolidation settlement. Higher pile head loads result in reduced
drag load on single piles, ensuring both structural and geotechnical safety. The location of
the NP is influenced by surcharge area, tip constraints, consolidation time lag, and pile head
load, shifting towards the pile tip as clay consolidation progresses until reaching 50%
consolidation, where it stabilizes.
(Goit & Saitoh, 2016) investigated that Dynamic tests on soil-pile systems under controlled
conditions examine the influence of soil non-linearity on horizontal pile-to-pile interaction
factors of inclined piles. Experiments focus on 2×2 symmetric free-head floating inclined pile
groups in cohesionless soil, subjected to varying amplitudes of lateral harmonic pile head
loadings across a wide frequency range. Results reveal significant effects of soil non-linearity
on interaction factors. Experimentally measured factors, combined with existing solutions for
horizontal impedance functions of inclined single piles, assess the principle of superposition
for obtaining impedance functions of inclined pile groups. Results show good agreement at
low-to-intermediate frequencies but discrepancies at higher frequencies due to loading-
direction-dependent soil-pile interface non-linearities. Soil displacements decrease with
distance from vibrating piles due to increased soil damping near the pile, resulting in
minimal interaction factors. Higher loading amplitudes lead to elevated soil strain levels until
soil failure occurs, making interaction factors virtually independent of amplitude.
(Lavasan et al., 2016) investigateds the load-bearing capabilities and failure mechanisms of
shallow strip foundations constructed above twin voids, such as caves, tunnels, or
aqueducts, utilizing numerical analysis for validation and accuracy. A comprehensive
parametric study examines the impact of footing and void dimensions, positioning, and
eccentricity on bearing capacity. Furthermore, an analysis of shear strain distribution within
the soil elucidates the underlying failure mechanisms. The findings provide valuable insights
for designing footings on voids and contribute to the development of analytical solutions for
this specific scenario. Critical void depths and distances that significantly affect ultimate
bearing capacity are identified. The study focuses on cohesive-frictional soils and a 1.5-
meter-wide strip footing, considering specific void geometries. The results demonstrate
variations in bearing capacity based on footing and void characteristics, highlighting the
intricate nature of their interactions. This research significantly contributes to our
understanding and mitigation strategies for the effects of underground voids on shallow
foundation performance.
(Gurbuz, 2018) investigated a modified subgrade reaction coefficients (nh*) that are
sensitive to pile top displacement in cohesionless soils. These modifications aim to improve
the accuracy of Broms' method in predicting the lateral load capacities of piles.Traditionally,
Broms' method employs constant nh values, which can lead to overestimation of pile
capacity as displacement increases. Our modified nh* values, calibrated using data from 45
full-scale pile tests, significantly enhance the performance of Broms' method. The modified
approach accurately estimates lateral load-deflection behavior up to 63.5 mm
displacement.The accuracy of our modified approach is comparable to more complex
methods such as p-y curves and Strain Wedge. However, our approach offers engineers a
simpler yet accurate tool for predicting lateral load capacities of laterally loaded piles, which
aligns with design requirements for permissible displacements.
(Wong et al., 2018) investigated the application of Three-Dimensional Finite Element
Method (3D FEM) in geotechnical design, especially for comprehending ground mechanisms
and soil-structure interactions. The objective of this study is to validate the response of
laterally loaded single piles using 3D FEM through two case studies. The first case compares
the behavior of a single pile subjected to horizontal forces using the p-y method and finite
element method. The second case analyzes the behavior of a pile behind a retaining wall
subjected to excavation-induced soil movement, comparing centrifuge data and finite
element method results. Findings indicate that 3D FEM aligns well with field or centrifuge
measurements, providing superior validation and prediction of lateral deflection
characteristics compared to conventional methods. Verification using PLAXIS 3D software
underscores its reliability, particularly in accurately predicting pile deflection and bending
moment behavior, with more precise predictions than the p-y method. Recommendations
include judicious parameter selection for soil layers to ensure conservative design and
accurate representation of non-homogeneous soil conditions.This research promotes the
application of Three-Dimensional Finite Element Method (3D FEM) in geotechnical design,
especially for comprehending ground mechanisms and soil-structure interactions. The
objective of this study is to validate the response of laterally loaded single piles using 3D
FEM through two case studies. The first case compares the behavior of a single pile
subjected to horizontal forces using the p-y method and finite element method. The second
case analyzes the behavior of a pile behind a retaining wall subjected to excavation-induced
soil movement, comparing centrifuge data and finite element method results. Findings
indicate that 3D FEM aligns well with field or centrifuge measurements, providing superior
validation and prediction of lateral deflection characteristics compared to conventional
methods. Verification using PLAXIS 3D software underscores its reliability, particularly in
accurately predicting pile deflection and bending moment behavior, with more precise
predictions than the p-y method. Recommendations include judicious parameter selection
for soil layers to ensure conservative design and accurate representation of non-
homogeneous soil conditions.
(Abbas et al., 2018) investigated a three-dimensional finite element analysis investigated the
lateral response of single piles under pure lateral loads, focusing on the influence of pile
slenderness ratio. Modified p-y curves for lateral pile response were developed, considering
lateral load intensity, pile cross-sectional shape, and flexural rigidity. Linear elastic, Mohr-
Coulomb, and 16-node interface models represented pile behavior, soil performance, and
interface elements. Results show that lateral pile deformation and soil resistance are
influenced by lateral load intensity, soil type, and slenderness ratio (L/D). Square-shaped
piles exhibited 30% greater resistance than circular ones, particularly in cohesionless soil.
Elevated pressure levels occurred at L/D positions between 6 and 8 under specific lateral
loads. A non-linear correlation between ultimate lateral soil pressure and pile slenderness
ratio was observed, emphasizing the importance of considering pile shape and slenderness
ratio in p-y design curves for effective geotechnical design.
(Neto et al., 2020) investigated the effects of structural flaws on the load-bearing capacity of
bored instrumented piles by combining numerical analysis, laboratory experiments, and
real-world applications. The findings indicate a significant reduction in failure load, from 190
kN to 110 kN, representing a 40% decrease compared to the intact reference value. Field
loading conditions, when contrasted with analytical predictions, reveal a brittle failure mode
and a loss of bearing capacity in the defective zone, resulting in a diminished overall system
capacity and increased displacement under identical load conditions. Safety factors based
solely on bearing capacity may be misleading, underscoring the critical importance of defect
detection for quality assurance in foundation piles. These observations highlight the intricate
nature of pile foundation design and emphasize the need for comprehensive understanding
and mitigation strategies when encountering defective piles.
(Houssou et al., 2021) investigated a numerical analysis of pile foundation response to axial
load, emphasizing soil-pile interaction using Plaxis 3D tunnel software. To simplify complex
interaction problems, a method employing an equivalent pier representing pile groups is
proposed. Symmetric and asymmetric pile group configurations are studied, with
settlements compared to field measurements, showing favorable agreement. The equivalent
pier approach reduces interaction factors by 16% compared to single pile groups. The study
highlights the significance of three-dimensional numerical modeling in understanding pile-
pile interaction for engineering projects. It emphasizes the importance of accurate soil
behavior and contact zone representation for precise geotechnical structure modeling. The
findings underscore the necessity of advanced numerical techniques for predicting the
behavior of pile groups in diverse engineering applications
(Saitoh, 2022) investigated the dynamic force-displacement relationship at the head of
horizontally loaded piles. The model incorporates a bilinear spring unit and a Gyro-Lumped
Parameter Model (GLPM) unit. We validate and verify the model using experimentally
obtained pile head impedance functions across a wide range of loading frequencies and
amplitudes. Results demonstrate the model's ability to accurately reproduce frequency-
dependent impedance function characteristics for varying loading amplitudes. Additionally,
the model effectively simulates Interaction Factors (IFs) and their convergence behaviors,
showcasing its capability to predict IF variations with loading amplitude in the frequency
domain. Although the model lacks attenuation functions to capture high-frequency
variations, it still provides reliable predictions of IF behaviors under different loading
conditions. Overall, the proposed model exhibits robustness and versatility in accurately
predicting IF responses under dynamic loading scenarios.
(Al-Tememy et al., 2022) investigated that 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in PLAXIS 3D
software to investigate the behavior of individual batter piles subjected to pull-out loads.
The analysis focuses on steel pipe piles embedded in dry sandy soil, considering variations in
relative densities and inclination angles. The results demonstrate that the ultimate pull-out
resistance of batter piles initially increases as the inclination angle increases, reaches a
maximum at a specific angle, and subsequently decreases. This capacity exhibits a direct
proportionality to both the slenderness ratio and the relative density, indicating that higher
ratios and densities result in greater pull-out loads. Notably, batter angles of 10° and 20°,
especially with zero free-standing lengths, exhibit the highest ultimate pull-out capacities,
which can be attributed to improved interfacial bonding. It is worth highlighting that, in
loose sand conditions, a 10° batter angle outperforms vertical piles by 2.6% to 4.5%. These
findings underscore the critical influence of batter angle, relative density, and slenderness
ratio in determining the ultimate pull-out capacity of batter piles in sandy soil.
(Xu et al., 2023) investigated that dynamic effective-stress analysis model examines the
response of Soil-Pile-Superstructure-Quay Wall (SPSQ) systems to liquefaction-induced
lateral displacement under horizontal and vertical earthquake excitations. Validated against
centrifuge tests, the model investigates influential factors. Results indicate that low-
frequency earthquakes induce greater lateral displacements of the footing and quay wall
compared to high-frequency ones at the same peak horizontal acceleration (PHA). Residual
lateral displacements increase with higher peak vertical acceleration (PVA) for both vertical
and inclined piles. Enhanced quay wall fixity significantly reduces residual displacements.
Polarity reversal of vertical ground motion also affects lateral displacements. Lateral
displacement of liquefied ground can induce rotation of the inclined pile cap, possibly
leading to shear failure at the pile head. Deeper locations may experience significant
earthquake-induced shear forces, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in analysis.
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