Development of Numerical Tools For the Evaluation of Pile Response to Laterally Spreading Soil

Abstract

Problems in geotechnical earthquake engineering often involve complex geometries and boundary conditions prohibiting the use of simple models. Although very useful, empirical models are sometimes not applicable to the problem at hand and performing experimental tests is costly and difficult. Improvements in computer technology have made advanced numerical modeling an essential tool for analysis and design of systems in the field of geotechnical earthquake engineering. In this context, there is a need for a robust numerical framework capable of handling different aspects of the engineering problems in this field. In this study, several of these aspects for 3D dynamic finite element analysis of such engineering problems are addressed. Particularly, constitutive modeling of granular soil to capture liquefaction, and soil-pile interaction are considered and tools are developed and implemented in OpenSees to address the problem of bridge foundations subjected to liquefaction induced lateral spreading loads. Several 3D static, quasi-static and dynamic examples are included for verification and validation of the tools implemented as part of this research.