An elastic-viscoplastic load-transfer method for a single pile and pile groups

Resumo

A nonlinear load-transfer method for determining the load-settlement curve for a single pile and pile
groups under axial loads is presented. The model allows slippage, or plastic soil deformation, and introduces a
new exponential model for load-transfer modeling either strain hardening or softening. Long term deformations
of soil layers and pile material are accounted for by a viscoplastic model. Elastic soil deformation and simultaneous
soil hardening induced by neighboring pile shafts are considered. Validation of the model is done by comparing
numerical and field static load tests from literature. This research is mainly motivated by the need of estimate
piles and pile caps loads when periodic vertical settlement measures are done during building construction in sites
where there exist layers of very soft clay. Present work describes basic formulation and initial applications.