Three-dimensional numerical modelling of the behaviour of a pile subjected to cyclic lateral loading

This paper presents a finite element simulation of the behaviour of a vertical pile subjected to a cyclic lateral loading. First, the choice of a suitable constitutive model is discussed. The analytical solution of the model equations for a monotonic triaxial compression is given, and the model is compared with monotonic and cyclic triaxial tests on dry Fontainebleau sand. Simulations of tests carried out on a model pile with the geotechnical centrifuge of the French Public Works Research Laboratory (LCPC) were then performed with the model parameters derived from the triaxial tests. Results are in good agreement with experiments.