Finite-element modelling of laterally loaded piles in clay

Abstract

A three-dimensional finite-element procedure is used to analyse laterally loaded piles in clay. A strain-hardening von Mises constitutive law is used in the analyses. Two field-measured full-scale case studies, one in soft clay and the other one in stiff clay, are investigated by the constructed finite-element model. In order to study soil anisotropy and soil mass secondary structure, the real shear strength and elastic modulus are back-calculated by fitting the pile head load–deflection curve to the field results. Comparing back-calculated shear strength values with the measured ones indicates high anisotropy effect in stiff clay. In order to verify the model validity, the maximum occurred moment and moment distribution are compared with the field results. The comparison shows satisfactory correspondence. Finally, the p–y curves are extracted from the finite-element model and compared with the two p–y sets proposed by Matlock and Wu et al. The comparison shows good agreement with hyperbolic curves for the initial portion and with those proposed by Matlock for the ultimate portion.