Numerical Study on Negative Skin Friction of Single Pile

Abstract

There have been quite a number of studies carried out on the topic of NSF over the past few decades, however, it is evident that some of the conclusions drawn from these studies on the issue of NSF may not be directly applicable in the Singapore context as the characteristics of the NSF problem are not identical.

In this study, 2D finite element method (FEM) using the Hardening soil model and coupled consolidation analysis was used to determine the effect of some of the possible factors that may influence the depth to neutral plane (NP), magnitude of total dragload and degree of mobilization. Factors that have been studied in detail include the time duration allowed between commencement of consolidation and pile installation, magnitude of surcharge loading causing different amount and profile of ground settlement, thickness of consolidating layer and the magnitude of imposed loading at pile head.