Micro–Macro Assessment of the Pile Bearing Capacity Interaction with Single and Double Voids in Different Soil Densities Using the Discrete-Element Method
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24, Issue 10
Abstract
This study focuses on how soil's inherent variability, driven by environmental changes, introduces substantial uncertainty into geotechnical considerations. Voids forming underground are a key source of this uncertainty, affecting subsoil structures like piles. Using a two-dimensional discrete-element method and considering both fundamental (micro) and engineering (macro) approaches, this study investigates the influence of voids in sandy soil on a pile’s behavior, especially on the pile’s bearing capacity and lateral pressure coefficient acting upon its shaft. The results reveal a critical zone around the pile where voids can dramatically reduce the pile’s bearing capacity, with load reductions of up to 63% in the most extreme cases. Surprisingly, voids have a minimal impact on the lateral pressure coefficient along the pile wall. Thus, it is deduced that the primary cause of the pile’s load reduction in the presence of the void is the decreased resistance at the pile's tip. In summary, this research underscores how voids in sandy soil significantly affect the bearing capacity of piles, emphasizing the importance of understanding these effects for safe and efficient subsoil structure design in geotechnical engineering.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24 • Issue 10 • October 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 17, 2023
Accepted: Apr 23, 2024
Published online: Jul 24, 2024
Published in print: Oct 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Dec 24, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Continuum mechanics
- Design (by type)
- Discrete element method
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Foundation design
- Foundations
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Lateral pressure
- Load bearing capacity
- Methodology (by type)
- Numerical methods
- Pile foundations
- Piles
- Pressure (type)
- Rock mechanics
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil-pile interaction
- Solid mechanics
- Structural design
- Structural engineering
- Structural reliability
- Voids
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