A numerical model for the dynamic analysis of inclined pile groups

The paper presents a numerical model for the dynamic analysis of pile groups with inclined piles in horizontally layered soil deposits. Piles are modelled with Euler–Bernoulli beams, while the soil is supposed to be constituted by independent infinite viscoelastic horizontal layers. The pile–soil–pile interaction as well as the hysteretic and geometric damping is taken into account by means of two‐dimensional elastodynamic Green's functions. Piles cap is considered by introducing a rigid constraint; the condensation of the problem permits a consistent derivation of both the dynamic impedance matrix of the soil–foundation system and the foundation input motion. These quantities are those used to perform inertial soil–structure interaction analyses in the framework of the substructure approach. Furthermore, the model allows evaluating the kinematic stress resultants in piles resulting from waves propagating in the soil deposit, taking into account the pile–soil–pile interactions. The model validation is carried out by performing accuracy analyses and comparing results in terms of dynamic impedance functions, kinematic response parameters and pile stress resultants, with those furnished by 3D refined finite element models. To this purpose, classical elastodynamic solutions are adopted to define the soil–pile interaction problem. The model results in low computational demands without significant loss of precision, compared with more rigorous approaches or refined finite element models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evidence of beneficial role of inclined piles: observations and summary of numerical analyses

The behaviour under seismic loading of inclined piles embedded in two idealized soil profiles, a homogeneous and a non-homogenous “Gibson” soil, is analysed with 3D finite elements. Two structures, modeled as single-degree-of-freedom oscillators, are studied: (1) a tall slender superstructure (H _st = 12 m) whose crucial loading is the overturning moment, and (2) a short structure (H _st = 1 m) whose crucial loading is the shear force. Three simple two-pile group are studied: (a) one comprising a vertical pile and a pile inclined at 25°, (b) one consisting of two piles symmetrically inclined at 25°, and (c) a group of two vertical piles. The influence of key parameters is analysed and non-dimensional diagrams are presented to illustrate the role of raked piles on pile and structure response. It is shown that this role can be beneficial or detrimental depending on a number of factors, including the slenderness of the superstructure and the type of pile-to-cap connection.