Model test and numerical simulation of single pile response under combined loading in slope
March 19, 2020 Author
Vertical loads are commonly transferred by piles primarily in the upper structures. However, lateral loads are also significant compared with vertical loads in the pile foundations designing. Compared with a pile in level ground, there are many particular characteristics in a pile which is in sloping ground. These characteristics depend on the combined loading and the magnitude of the soil lateral displacement. In order to investigate the pile’s bearing characteristics, a model test was conducted and the ABAQUS software was adopted to conduct 3D numerical simulation of a single pile with different slope angles under combined loads. The experimental results indicate that (1) the soil pressure along the slope direction is smaller than the other side, resulting in an asymmetry of the slope soil around the pile and in turn introducing a horizontal thrust to the pile; (2) with the increase of slope angle, the horizontal thrust increases while the single pile’s bearing capacity decreases; (3) the vertical load will introduce more pile horizontal displacement with the growth of slope angle; (4) the pile’s moment and the displacement also increases with the growth of the slope angle. The findings in this study can provide a useful reference in the design of piles or anti-slide piles in sloping ground.
(b)
Figure 1. Test of piles on slope: (a) test device design; (b) installation of test monitoring equipment.
(b)
Figure 2. Comparison of test results and our finite element calculated values of the pile under various load: (a) load-displacement; (b) bending moment.
Zhang, J., Wang, X., & H. Wang (2020). Model test and numerical simulation of single pile response under combined loading in slope. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 10(8), http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app10176140