Prediction of settlements generated by a static load test through numerical modeling using PLAXIS 2D

Resumo

When it comes to geotechnical engineering, one of the greatest concern when building any type of
structure is the settlements that occurred on its foundations. As a way of predicting these settlements, static load
tests can be performed. This test consists in the application of successive loading stages at the top of the pile and
in the respective measurement of the settlements occurred. This article uses numerical modeling as a way to
estimate the settlement of piles caused by this test. The analysis was performed through an axisymmetric two
dimensional model in PLAXIS 2D AE. software, using the finite element method as a way to obtain the results.
This method allows to model satisfactorily the behavior of the local stratified soil and its interaction with the pile.
PLAXIS software allows the use of different constitutive models in the simulation of the soil, thus obtaining greater
precision in the results. The objective of this work is to improve the numerical modeling of static load tests using
the PLAXIS 2D software. Results obtained through an initial model were consistent with a static load test report
carried out at the site, thus evidencing the tool's potential in predicting settlements.