Numerical modelling of rock-socketed piles

Abstract

Axisymmctric finite element meshes are developed to model the pile tip in the rock-socket, for four different ratios of socket length to pile diameter, the values being I to 4. The pile material (concrete) and the surrounding rock material arc both considered as isotropic linear elastic materials. Analyses arc conducted to determine the shear stress distribution profile at the interface and the axial load variation within the pile along the socket length, for various socket length/pile diameter ratios and a range of Young's Moduli representing the rock material. The results indicate the variation of the percentages of load resisted by interface shear along the socket wall and end-bearing at pile tip as the pertinent parameters are varied. An interface element to model the interface shear behaviour is introduced, and its performance in the finite element analysis is discussed.