Quasi-3D analysis: Validation by full 3D analysis and field tests on single piles and pile groups

•3D analytical single pile/pile group results in elastic media used to validate model.•Model also validated using data from field tests on driven and bored pile groups.•There is very good agreement with the validation data.•The quasi-3D formulation results in orders of magnitude decreases in computational time.

A quasi-3D method for the analysis of single piles and pile groups is presented. The method includes an equivalent linear constitutive model for nonlinear analysis, an 8-node pile element that simulates the effects of pile volume and energy transmitting boundaries which are especially important for the analysis of high frequency loading of machine foundations. The quasi-3D formulation and equivalent linear model result in orders of magnitude decreases in computational time. The accuracy and reliability of the approximate approach was validated by comparing results with 3D analytical results from MIT and by data from field tests on single piles and pile groups from Taiwan. The computed results compared very favorably with the analytical and field test data.