Finite Element Soil-Pile-Interaction Analysis of Floodwall in Soft Clay

A 2D plane strain finite element model was used for soil-pile interaction analyses to investigate the basic performance of the Floodwall under hurricane loadings. A lateral pile load test was used to develop soil resistance characteristics of the soft clay at the construction site for the large-diameter pile. The 3D soil resistance response in front of the laterally loaded pile was taken into consideration in the 2D model by using appropriate modified soil parameters. A soil wedge was also introduced into the finite element model to take into account the group effect of closely spaced piles of the Floodwall. The finite element model of the Floodwall was verified with a discrete p-y curve based substructure model and limit equilibrium state analyses. The good agreement between numerical results indicates rigorousness of finite element modeling for the soil-pile interaction of the Floodwall.