Dynamic behaviour of single piles under strong harmonic excitation

Abstract

Dynamic experiments were conducted on large-scale model piles in sand subjected to strong horizontal and vertical excitation. The theoretical response curves are calculated using DYNA2 and PILAY2 computer codes, and using also for the vertical direction, the theory of nonlinear vibration. The theoretical curves are compared with the experimental results. The dynamic behaviour of the pile is presented as frequency response curves for displacement, stiffness, dashpot constants, and damping ratios. The influence of excitation intensity, repeated loading, and cap contact with soil on the dynamic behaviour of single piles is investigated. Key words: dynamics, vibration, piles, foundations, nonlinear vibration, testing, deep foundations.