A non-linear three-dimensional pile–soil model for vibratory pile installation in layered media. (1st May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsetas, Athanasios; Tsouvalas, Apostolos; Metrikine, Andrei V.
• Is Part Of: International journal of solids and structures. Volume 269(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05-01
• Subjects: Vibratory pile driving -- Vibrations of shells -- Thin-Layer Method -- Perfectly Matched Layers -- Harmonic Balance Method -- Green's functions -- Field tests -- Soil–structure interaction; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Elastic solids -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Constructions, Théorie des -- Périodiques; Solides élastiques -- Périodiques; Elastic solids; Mechanics, Applied; Structural analysis (Engineering); Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2023.112202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7683

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a computationally efficient model for vibratory pile installation. A semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) model for thin cylindrical shells is derived to represent the pile. The linear dynamic response of the soil medium is described by means of Green's functions via the Thin-Layer Method (TLM) coupled with Perfectly Matched Layers (PMLs) to account for the underlying elastic half-space. Furthermore, the non-linear pile–soil interaction is addressed through a history-dependent frictional interface and a visco-elasto-plastic tip reaction model that can be characterized on the basis of standard geotechnical in-situ measurements. The solution to the non-linear dynamic pile–soil interaction problem is based on the sequential application of the Harmonic Balance Method (HBM). The constituent components of the model are first benchmarked against established numerical schemes. Subsequently, model predictions are compared with experimental data collected from field tests. It is demonstrated that the proposed model amalgamates rigorous theoretical elements and promising prediction capabilities in a computationally efficient framework, applicable to engineering practice. Highlights: A new model for vibratory (mono)pile installation in layered media is presented. A history-dependent interface is proposed based on load cycles accumulation. A sequential Harmonic Balance Method is developed for vibratory pile installation. Shaft reaction comprises the dominant soil reaction for the present pile scale. Penetration rate appears to be a monotonic function of the driving frequency.