Nonlinear finite element analysis of laterally loaded piles in cohesive sediments

Abstract EN

Laterally loaded single piles are usually analyzed by methods derived directly from the classical beam on elastic foundation or Winkler soil model.

Soil strength is characterized using modulus of sub-grade reaction.

Early solutions that employed Winkler’s model assumed that the modulus of sub-grade reaction is constant with depth, or linearly varying with depth, while in fact it varies nonlinearly with depth due to the nonlinear soil response to loads.

The characterization of soil using “p-y curves” concept ; (which relates the soil reaction and pile deflection at typical points along its length, and extracted from field tests), is proper for representing nonlinearity in soil response, and gives better solutions.

Another method used for the solution of the problem of laterally loaded piles is the elastic continuum method.

In this method the soil is modeled as an elastic media, such formulation poses increased difficulty when the soil modulus varies with depth.

The Sub-grade Reaction or Winkler method of solution is used through this study.

The soil is characterized by a nonlinear springs with employing the “p-y'' model, while the pile is modeled as a two-node element.