Shake table test of soil-pile groups-bridge structure interaction in liquefiable ground

This paper describes a shake table test study on the seismic response of low-cap pile groups and a bridge structure in liquefiable ground. The soil profile, contained in a large-scale laminar shear box, consisted of a horizontally saturated sand layer overlaid with a silty clay layer, with the simulated low-cap pile groups embedded. The container was excited in three E1 Centro earthquake events of different levels. Test results indicate that excessive pore pressure （EPP） during slight shaking only slightly accumulated, and the accumulation mainly occurred during strong shaking. The EPP was gradually enhanced as the amplitude and duration of the input acceleration increased. The acceleration response of the sand was remarkably influenced by soil liquefaction. As soil liquefaction occurred, the peak sand displacement gradually lagged behind the input acceleration; meanwhile, the sand displacement exhibited an increasing effect on the bending moment of the pile, and acceleration responses of the pile and the sand layer gradually changed from decreasing to increasing in the vertical direction from the bottom to the top. A jump variation of the bending moment on the pile was observed near the soil interface in all three input earthquake events. It is thought that the shake table tests could provide the groundwork for further seismic performance studies of low-cap pile groups used in bridges located on liquefiable groun.

Study of vibrating foundations considering soil-pile-structure interaction for practical applications

An investigation of soil-pile-structure interaction is carried out, based on a large reciprocating compressor installed on an elevated concrete foundation （table top structure）. A practical method is described for the dynamic analysis, and compared with a 3D finite element （FE） model. Two commercial software packages are used for dynamic analysis considering the soilpile-structure interaction （SPSI）. Stiffness and damping of the pile foundation are generated from a computer program, and then input into the FE model. To examine the SPSI thoroughly, three cases for the soil, piles and superstructure are considered and compared. In the first case, the interaction is fully taken into account, that is, both the superstructure and soil-pile system are flexible. In the second case, the superstructure is flexible but fixed to a rigid base, with no deformation in the base （no SSI）. In the third case, the dynamic soil-pile interaction is taken into account, but the table top structure is assumed to be rigid. From the comparison beteen the results of these three cases some conclusions are made, which could be helpful for engineering practice.

Influence of dynamic soil-pile raft-structure interaction:an experimental approach

Traditionally seismic design of structures supported on piled raft foundation is performed by considering fixed base conditions, while the pile head is also considered to be fixed for the design of the pile foundation. Major drawback of this assumption is that it cannot capture soil-foundation-structure interaction due to flexibility of soil or the inertial interaction involving heavy foundation masses. Previous studies on this subject addressed mainly the intricacy in modelling of dynamic soil structure interaction (DSSI) but not the implication of such interaction on the distribution of forces at various elements of the pile foundation and supported structure. A recent numerical study by the authors showed significant change in response at different elements of the piled raft supported structure when DSSI effects are considered. The present study is a limited attempt in this direction, and it examines such observations through shake table tests. The effect of DSSI is examined by comparing dynamic responses from fixed base scaled down model structures and the overall systems. This study indicates the possibility of significant underestimation in design forces for both the column and pile if designed under fixed base assumption. Such underestimation in the design forces may have serious implication in the design of a foundation or structural element.

Seismic response of tall building considering soil-pile-structure interaction

The seismic behavior of tall buildings can he greatly affected by non-linear soil-pile interaction during strong earthquakes.In this study a 20-storey building is examined as a typical structure supported on a pile foundation for different conditions:(1) rigid base,i.e.no deformation in the foundation:(2) linear soil-pile system;and (3) nonlinear soil-pile system. The effects of pile foundation displacements on the behavior of tall building are investigated,and compared with the behavior of buildings supported on shallow foundation.With a model of non-reflective boundary between the near field and far field, Novak's method of soil-pile interaction is improved.The computation method for vibration of pile foundations and DYNAN computer program are introduced comprehensively.A series of dynamic experiments have been done on full-scale piles, including single pile and group,linear vibration and nonlinear vibration,to verify the validity of boundary zone model.

Study on soil-pile-structure-TMD interaction system by shaking table model test

The success of the tuned mass damper (TMD) in reducing wind-induced structural vibrations has been well established. However, from most of the recent numerical studies, it appears that for a structure situated on very soft soil, soil-structure interaction (SSI) could render a damper on the structure totally ineffective. In order to experimentally verify the SSI effect on the seismic performance of TMD, a series of shaking table model tests have been conducted and the results are presented in this paper. It has been shown that the TMD is not as effective in controlling the seismic responses of structures built on soft soil sites due to the SSI effect. Some test results also show that a TMD device might have a negative impact if the SSI effect is neglected and the structure is built on a soft soil site. For structures constructed on a soil foundation, this research verifies that the SSI effect must be carefully understood before a TMD control system is designed to determine if the control is necessary and if the SSI effect must be considered when choosing the optimal parameters of the TMD device.

Optimum Design of Jacket Platforms Considering Structure-Pile-Soil Interaction

This paper proposes an optimum design model for the offshore jacket platform considering multidesign criteria, multi-design constraints and the structure-pile-soil interaction, and gives an optimum design procedure in which the proposed optimum design model is used together with structural analysis software SAP91 and optimum algorithm software OPB1. The Chengbei (#)11 offshore platform, which lies in the Shengli oilfield, is designed by use of the above optimum design model. The results show that the optimum design model is stable, and it depends on neither the optimization algorithm nor initial values of design variables. All values of the objective function converge to the same minimum value, and the speed of convergence is high, showing that the proposed optimum design model is reasonable.

A Novel Conceptual Telescopic Positioning Pile for VLFS Deployed in Shallow Water:Structure Design

A conceptual design of using novel telescopic piles to position a multi-modular very large floating structure(VLFS),which is supposed to be severed as a movable floating airport,is proposed.The telescopic piles can automatically plug in the soil to resist the environmental loads and pull out from the soil to evacuate or move on to the next operational sea.The feasibility demonstration of the conceptual design includes two parts:function verification and structure design.In the latter part of the conceptual design,a time-domain structural analysis is firstly conducted by using Abaqus software.The simulation results suggest that the preliminary structure scheme is not optimum due to the insufficient structure utilization,although both structure safety of the piles and positioning accuracy are guaranteed.To realize a cost reduction of construction and installation,a Genetic Algorithm-Finite Element Analysis(GA-FEA)method is employed to perform structural optimization.After optimization,31 percent of the weight of each pile is reduced and higher structure utilization is maintained.The difference of the self-weight and allowable buoyancy of a single module(SMOD)of a semisubmersible-type VLFS is much larger than the weight of the piles.Combined with the function verification in our previous work,the conceptual design of using the novel telescopic pile to position VLFS is demonstrated to be feasible.

Design Considerations for Pile Groups Supporting Marine Structures with Respect to Scour

Piles supporting marine structures such as jetties, relieving platforms, quay walls and fixed offshore structures are subjected to lateral loads due to berthing and mooring forces, wind, waves, storm surges and current forces. This paper presents some factors that affect the design of pile groups supporting marine structures founded in cohesionless soils. Some main aspects that should be considered in the pile group design are addressed such as pile batter angle, pile group arrangement, pile spacing, pile slenderness ratio and magnitude of lateral static loading. Numerical analyses were conducted to investigate these design aspects with and without impact of scour. Different scour depths were considered to cover the possible root causes of scour around pile groups such as waves, current and ship propeller jets. The study revealed that scour has greater impact on lateral loading of pile groups compared to its impact on single piles. Pile groups with side-by-side arrangement exposed to scour are more critical than single piles and piles groups with tandem arrangement due to the combined effect of scour and pile-soil-pile interaction. It is also concluded that scour protection is not always required. More attention and considerations should be given to scour protection around piles especially if the piles are closely spaced, arranged side-by-side and if slenderness ratio is less than 12.5.

Advanced Sheet Pile Curtain Design: Case Study of Cotonou East Corniche

This paper delves into the critical aspects of sheet pile walls in civil engineering, highlighting their versatility in soil protection, retention, and waterproofing, all while emphasizing sustainability and efficient construction practices. The paper explores two fundamental approaches to sheet pile design: limit equilibrium methods and numerical techniques, with a particular focus on finite element analysis. Utilizing the robust PLAXIS 2016 calculation code based on the finite element method and employing a simplified elastoplastic model (Mohr-Coulomb), this study meticulously models the interaction between sheet pile walls and surrounding soil. The research offers valuable insights into settlement and deformation patterns that adjacent buildings may experience during various construction phases. The central objective of this paper is to present the study’s findings and recommend potential mitigation measures for settlement effects on nearby structures. By unraveling the intricate interplay between sheet pile wall construction and neighboring buildings, the paper equips engineers and practitioners to make informed decisions that ensure the safety and integrity of the built environment. In the context of the Cotonou East Corniche development, the study addresses the limitations of existing software, such as RIDO, in predicting settlements and deformations affecting nearby buildings due to the substantial load supported by sheet pile walls. This information gap necessitates a comprehensive study to assess potential impacts on adjacent structures and propose suitable mitigation measures. The research underscores the intricate dynamics between sheet pile wall construction and its influence on the local environment. It emphasizes the critical importance of proactive engineering and vigilant monitoring in managing and mitigating potential hazards to nearby buildings. To mitigate these risks, the paper recommends measures such as deep foundations, ground improvement techniques, and retrofitting. The findings presented in this study contribute significantly to the field of civil engineering and offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of construction-induced settlement. The study underscores the importance of continuous evaluation and coordination between construction teams and building owners to effectively manage the impacts of sheet pile wall construction on adjacent structures.

The Shielding Effect of Multi-Pile Structures on Ice Force

The shielding effect of the front pile-row on the ice force acting on the back pile-row is studied by ice force model tests. In the tests, the front pile-row is designed to model jacket legs and the back pile-row to model the water resisting pipe-phalanx within the jacket. The shielding factor for ice force corresponding to different conditions are given in this paper. The research indicates that there are many factors, including the longitudinal and lateral spacing between the front and back pile-row, ice attacking angle and the ratio of pile diameter to ice thickness, that influence the shielding effect on ice force.

The Application of Pile Foundation Bearing-Retaining Wall Combination Structure in a Mountainous Urban High Fill Project

Pile foundation bearing-retaining wall combination structure is a new type of support structure developed in recent years.This article focuses on the characteristics,advantages,and application scope of the support structure,while combining a variety of algorithms,according to different geological conditions and slope stability,as well as summarizes the pile foundation bearing-retaining wall combination structure force analysis and design methods,taking a high-fill road project in Chongqing as an example.The application of this support structure under special conditions,such as thicker soil layer,steeper sliding surface,weak foundation,and limited slope release conditions,is presented,which illustrates the technical advantages of this support structure and proving that it has several other advantages,including clear force mechanism as well as economic and reasonable structure,thus providing reference for similar projects.

The Effective Buckling Length on Numerical Study of Pipe-Sectioned Pier-Pile Integral Steel Structure

Pier-Pile integral structures provide construction works with many environmental and landscape advantages. For example, the space required to construct these structures is smaller than that of other bridges due to the footing being removed, meaning that it is not necessity to greatly change the surroundings of these bridges. While there are environmental and landscape advantages, there are also a few demerits for the overall land-scape designs, including demerits in the design of this proposed structure which consists of relatively slender parts. This proposed structure has already been constructed in areas where possibility of a severe earthquake is low. However, some problems that have yet to be examined are related to the use of this proposed structure in areas where earthquakes are frequent. Lacking detailed studies of its behavior during severe earthquakes, it is currently difficult to construct these structures in Japan. Consequently, it is necessary to investigate in detail limited performance about compression and bending moment, and earthquake- resistant performance of these structures in order to resolve these problems. In this paper, It was clarified the relationship between the rigidity of the ground and the effective buckling length by buckling analysis and elasto- plastic finite deformation analysis. Moreover, it was proposed a simplified formula using a proposed characteristic value β and several factors for analysis accuracy. A simplified formula would support to determine the effective buckling length to design the pier using the load-bearing capacity curve based on the slenderness ratio parameter.

Innovative Techniques Unveiled in Advanced Sheet Pile Curtain Design

This thorough review explores the complexities of geotechnical engineering, emphasizing soil-structure interaction (SSI). The investigation centers on sheet pile design, examining two primary methodologies: Limit Equilibrium Methods (LEM) and Soil-Structure Interaction Methods (SSIM). While LEM methods, grounded in classical principles, provide valuable insights for preliminary design considerations, they may encounter limitations in addressing real-world complexities. In contrast, SSIM methods, including the SSI-SR approach, introduce precision and depth to the field. By employing numerical techniques such as Finite Element (FE) and Finite Difference (FD) analyses, these methods enable engineers to navigate the dynamics of soil-structure interaction. The exploration extends to SSI-FE, highlighting its essential role in civil engineering. By integrating Finite Element analysis with considerations for soil-structure interaction, the SSI-FE method offers a holistic understanding of how structures dynamically interact with their geotechnical environment. Throughout this exploration, the study dissects critical components governing SSIM methods, providing engineers with tools to navigate the intricate landscape of geotechnical design. The study acknowledges the significance of the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model while recognizing its limitations, and guiding practitioners toward informed decision-making in geotechnical analyses. As the article concludes, it underscores the importance of continuous learning and innovation for the future of geotechnical engineering. With advancing technology and an evolving understanding of soil-structure interaction, the study remains committed to ensuring the safety, stability, and efficiency of geotechnical structures through cutting-edge design and analysis techniques.

Non-Simultaneous Failure of Ice in Front of Multi-Leg Structures

Because the multi-leg jacket structure is the major type of offshore structures in the Bohai Sea, the study of non-simultaneous failure of ice on multi-leg structures is important. However, the non-simultaneous failure has not been considered in engineering design until now, obviously resulting in costly design and notable waste. To resolve this problem, this paper, by means of analysis of experimental data, calculates the coefficient of the non-simultaneous failure for the double-pile structure, the square four-leg structure, the single-line multi-pile structure, and the conical structure, respectively, and provides some reference criteria for engineering design.

Stochastic Response Analysis of Piled Offshore Platforms to Earthquake Load

In this paper, using the theory of stochastic analysis of the response to earthquake load, a stochastic analysis method of the response of piled platforms to earthquake load has been established. In the method, the strong ground motion is considered as three dimensional stationary white noise process and the pile-soil interaction and water-structure interaction are considered. The stochastic response of a typical platform to earthquake load has been computed with this method and the results compared with those obtained with the response spectrum analysis method. The comparison shows that the stochastic analysis method of the response of piled platforms to earthquake load is suitable for this kind of analysis.

New Types of Wharf Structures in Chiwan Port

A bold innovation was carried out for the structural type of wharves in line with local conditions in Chiwan Port, in which a group of wharves with novel structures have been built in this port during the past ten years.

Vibration Analysis of Frame Structure with Soil-Structure Interaction

A common design practice for dynamic loading assumes the frame fixed at their bases. In reality, the supporting soil medium allows movement to some extent due to its property to deform. This may decrease the overall stiffness of the structural system and may increase the natural period of the system. The effect of soil flexibility is suggested to be accounted through consideration of springs which have specified stiffness and soil half space. Results show that the dynamic response of frame structure to vibrations is due to applied dynamic load and is highly dependent on the soil type and the method of modeling soil structure interaction. The response of frame structure under dynamic load is higher in case of linear discrete independent spring as comparing with perfect bond cases. Except the response of frame in case of piles embedded in soft clay, half space are higher than frame with piles and linear elastic spring due to the interaction between the frequencies of applied load and frequencies of frame structure. Also, result showed that it is important to include the soil-structure interaction in the analysis of the system in order to correctly simulate the dynamic problem for controlling on the resonance phenomena.

洞桩法地铁车站边桩结构受力机制的模型试验设计

为了方便学生更形象地理解洞桩法地铁车站边桩结构的受力机制,该文以广州地区某洞桩法地铁车站工程为依托,设计了一种简化的洞桩法车站边桩结构模型试验。基于该试验方法,演示分析了边桩结构在洞桩法车站开挖过程中的施工力学行为规律,并对比研究了不同桩型布置参数下的桩后土压力、边桩结构的力学和变形规律。通过该试验,为学生展示了洞桩法边桩结构模型的设计、制作、试验具体操作及数据监测的全过程,从而让学生更好地掌握洞桩法车站边桩结构力学行为演变规律,以及采用不同边桩布置型式的力学行为差异。

扩底桩竖向承载特性及群桩效应研究

为探明扩底群桩竖向承载特性,采用扩底桩筏结构,开展单桩(扩径比分别为1.5、2.0、2.5、3.0)和桩筏(扩径比为2)基础静载模型试验,分析其荷载传递规律,并建立桩间距为3.75、4.00、4.50、5.00倍桩直径时扩底桩筏基础有限元模型,研究桩间距对群桩效应影响。结果表明:扩底单桩和扩底桩筏结构荷载沉降曲线均为缓变型;扩底桩极限承载力随扩径比增大而逐渐增大,扩径比2.5~3.0时极限承载力增幅变缓,建议扩底桩扩径比取2.5~3.0;由于桩土共同沉降,桩间土压缩,桩土作用更充分,扩底桩筏基础中心桩侧摩阻力荷载分担比比扩底单桩增大了17.71%;群桩效应系数随桩间距增大而逐渐增大,桩间距为4.5~5.0倍桩直径时群桩效应系数增幅较小,群桩效应较弱,建议扩底桩筏基础桩间距取值不小于4.5倍桩直径。

刚度差异桩组合桩网结构路基承载特性

刚度差异桩组合桩网结构路基因具有工后沉降小、经济效益好的优点而被广泛应用于铁道工程。与传统桩承结构路基相比,该结构桩土协同工作规律更为复杂,为研究其承载特性和土体沉降变化规律,通过室内模型试验和数值计算分析刚度差异桩组合桩网结构路基在静力荷载下的桩身应力、桩土应力比、格栅应力、桩侧摩阻力和土体沉降变化特点。结果表明:刚、柔性桩的承载力主要由侧摩阻力提供;刚性桩的桩土应力比随上部荷载增加呈先增长后稳定趋势,荷载在路基中沿中心桩体向边缘桩体传递,并沿路堤行车方向朝路堤横断面方向扩散;土工格栅和碎石加筋垫层共同工作,协调荷载进行再分配,均衡路基应力分布;路基中心排桩沿横断面方向的土体沉降近似呈盆状分布,刚性桩控制路基土体变形和沉降的性状明显优于柔性桩;选择性布置刚度较大长桩可减小路基沉降量。