A new finite element model for pile-soil interaction

Abstract

This paper describes the formulation and validation of a new finite element model for 3-D analysis of pile-soil interaction problems. The proposed element is constructed by wrapping 4 slip elements around a 2-nodes flexural element. The 4 slip elements are to model the interface between soil and pile and the 2-node flexural element simulates the pile segment. This element will lead to an ease of use in the 3D numerical analysis of soil-pile interaction problems with slip elements being built in one element and a significant reduction of numbers of system Degree of Freedom comparing to the conventional way of modelling pile with 20-noded brick elements. The element stiffness formulation is based on the weak formulation of virtual work principle with the internal equilibrium between pile and soil being governed by Euler's beam theory in lateral reaction. The FEM program using the proposed model was developed and verified and validated with analytical solutions and a simple case study.