A numerical and experimental study of hollow steel pile in layered soil subjected to lateral dynamic loading

The present study aims at investigating the nonlinear behavior of single hollow pile in layered soil subjected to varying levels of horizontal dynamic load. A finite element model has been developed using commercially available FEM based software. Mohr-Coulomb plasticity model is used to simulate the soil plasticity whereas the pile-material is idealized as elastic. Numerical results are validated comparing with the experimental results. The experimental investigations were carried out in the field located at IIT Kharagpur. Two types of motion: horizontal and rocking are studied. The effects of various influencing parameters, namely, exciting moment, length and diameter of the pile etc. on the nonlinear dynamic response of piles are investigated. It is found that separation of pile from the surrounding soil considerably affects the resonance frequency and amplitude of the pile foundations.