Computer Study of Dynamic Behavior of Piling

The application of wave theory to the investigation of structural behavior of piling is examined. A digital-computer program based substantially on the work of Smith was used in generating the theoretical solution. The essentials of Smith's development are given, followed by an investigation of certain extensions and applications of the procedure. It is illustrated how, through the use of high-speed digital computation, the influence on pile behavior of factors such as ram weight, ram velocity, diesel-hammer pressure, capblock and cushion-block stiffnesses, pile material properties, and soil properties may be evaluated. Comparisons are made with the exact solution for an ideal bar and with experimental results from a field test. The effects of segment length and time interval for the discrete-element solution are examined. The use of the automatic plotting capability of the digital computer is illustrated.