Energy pile group subjected to non-symmetrical cyclic thermal loading in centrifuge

Abstract

Floating energy pile groups subjected to thermal cycles have rarely been tested, resulting in a limited understanding of their performance at the serviceability state. Centrifuge modelling of an elevated 2 × 2 floating energy pile group with a rigid cap was conducted in saturated Toyoura sand. Under a constant vertical working load, only one of the piles within the group was applied ten two-way thermal cycles with an amplitude of 7°C. The results show that the energy pile group experienced a ratcheting accumulation of irreversible tilting at a reducing rate with continued cycles. The axial load sustained by the non-energy piles was observed to increase by about 30%.