SIMPLIFIED MODEL FOR ANALYSIS OF ONE OR 2 PILES

The main objective of this work is to use the experience gained from a three-dimensional parametric study presented in a companion paper to develop a simplified model that will reproduce the main nonlinear features of the behavior of single piles, as well as the interaction between a pair of piles. Hence, guided by the results of that parametric study, a simplified model consisting of coupled, inelastically supported one-dimensional piles is developed and presented herein. This model takes into consideration slippage and separation between the piles and the soil, as well as the overall inelastic soil behavior including degradation. The validity of the proposed model is assessed by an extensive comparison with numerical results from the more accurate three-dimensional study, as well as with results from experimental field tests. Close agreement is observed between these results and the predictions from the simplified model. This represents an essential step towards a simplified, yet realistic, method of analysis for general pile groups.