3D modelling of single piles and pile groups

D-PILE GROUP

D-PILE GROUP

3D modelling of single piles and pile groups

General D-PILE GROUP enables the analysis of the three-dimensional behaviour of single piles and pile groups, interacting via the pile

In 1988, Deltares (formerly known as GeoDel ) started a research project on the behaviour of mooring dolphins. Deltares was asked to do so by the Dutch Ministry of Public Works. Within the project, it was shown that many di erent methods exist to perform calculations on single horizontally loaded piles and pile groups. Each method has its own advantages, but also limitations. None of the individual methods met all the criteria of the Dutch Ministry of Public Works. Therefore, Deltares decided to build a computer program that would hold several of these calculation models. The great advantage would be that the user could switch from one model to another, using the same input when applicable. One of the extra criteria for this program was that calculation times should still allow for practical use. The resulting program D-PILE GROUP has proved to be very useful. Previous releases of D-PILE GROUP were called MPile. For the modelling of pile groups two issues are important. First of all the behaviour of individual pile(s) in their own ground prole is taken into account. Secondly one has to account for the behaviour (interaction) that each pile imposes on all other piles through the soil and through a superstructure. These issues are addressed in D-PILE GROUP using di erent models that range from a standard model to more complex models.

cap and the soil, as a function of loading. For this purpose D-PILE GROUP o ers a unique combination of the internationally accepted design rules of the API (American Petroleum Institute) and special soil interaction models all within the same graphical user interface. One of the great benets of D-PILE GROUP is that switching between di erent computational models is very easy since all relevant input data of the previous model is kept. This exibility gives the user the opportunity to choose between a fast and simple calculation and a more complex but more accurate calculation, in a way that best suits particular needs. The choice of models to be used depends principally on the distance between piles. Some specic features of D-PILE GROUP are: Piles Analysis of all pile types, both pre-dened standard or userdened special piles. Pile sections with di erent properties. Options for inclined piles (Cap; Cap Soil Interaction module and Dynamic module). Pile head xed or hinged clamp in the pile cap (freely rotating). Soil resistance Automated spring generation according to the API for sand and clay layers, for static or cyclic loading, with common input properties. Inuence of the pile tip resistance (elastic or elasto-plastic). Loading Load on the cap by moments, horizontal and vertical forces, rotations and displacements. Load by horizontal and vertical soil displacements (Cap module). E ect of surcharge (Cap interaction module). Monotonous increasing loads, load reversal and repeated (cyclic) loads. Dynamic load by ship collision (Dynamic module), a model for undrained behaviour of sand. Multiple models for the interaction between piles via the soil. Output facilities Graphical output of displacements, shear forces and moments in top view. Graphs of cap displacements and rotations versus loading. Graphs of internal forces and soil reactions along the piles. Automatic generation of a calculation report with tables and graphs in rich text format. Exporting plotted data (e.g. to Excel).

D-PILE GROUP comes as a standard module, which can be extended further with other modules to t more advanced applications: D-PILE GROUP Standard module (Poulos model) Cap module (included in Standard module) Plasti-Poulos module Cap Soil Interaction module Cap Layered Soil Interaction module Dynamic module.

Standard module (Poulos module) The standard module is intended for the analyses of single piles and/or pile groups, using the Poulos module or the Cap module. The Graphic User Interface allows for the input of projects, running the analyses and provides tabular and graphical output of results both on screen and in a report. The program provides ample options for recalculation, using di erent pile types and ne-tuning of the pile Loads and soil displacement Loads and moments can be applied on the superstructure in all directions (x, y and z). As an alternative to force and moment controlled loading any of the loads can be replaced by its corresponding displacement or rotation. It is thus also possible to apply a prescribed translation or rotation in some or all directions (x, y and z). In the Cap module the piles can also be loaded directly by soil displacements.
Pile grid generator

Raking piles in High Speed rail viaduct

plan. In this manner a cost e the following paragraphs:

cient design can easily be obtained.

Pile properties window

Some specic features of the standard module will be described in Output Pile grid generator The pile grid generator eases the input of complex pile plans for equally spaced as well as non structured pile groups. A er the input of piles it is possible to check each pile graphically. Input and output tables, graphs and a report are available for printing, viewing and for export to standard Windows applications through the Windows clipboard. Charts are available to show displacements, bending moments, shear forces, in x, y and z direction for individual piles. It is also possible to view results for

Output window for individual piles

Cap model

displacements, bending moments and shear forces in a top view for all piles. Cap displacements and rotations can also be visualised. Poulos model The Poulos model is an analytical model that takes into account elastic soil behaviour for two soil layers. One layer along the pile and one layer located below the pile tip. Cap interaction and interaction between piles is taken into account. The Poulos model is especially useful in a rst analysis, when only little data is available or when the loads are small and the soil is expected to behave mainly elastically.

of the springs requires limited input and o ers choices ranging from automatically created elasto-plastic springs according to the API rules to fully user dened spring characteristics (linear or elastoplastic). Features Elasto-plastic soil behaviour. Layered soil (max. 99 layers). No pile-soil-pile interaction. Input of prescribed displacements. Raking piles.

Plasti-Poulos module As an extension of the Poulos model the Plasti-Poulos model includes non linear single pile behaviour based on the analysis of a pile in multilayered non linear soil. The behaviour of the half space is similar to the Poulos model (elastic). The Plasti-Poulos model can therefore be used for more accurate analyses compared to the Poulos model, in particular when larger loads are imposed and the system starts to show non linear e ects.

Poulos model

Features Elastic soil behaviour. 2 layers. Pile-soil-pile interaction for 2 layers.

Cap module The Cap module is included in the standard module of D-PILE GROUP. The Cap module includes multilayered soils using linear or non linear (elasto-plastic) springs. Cap interaction is taken into account, but interactions between piles through soil are not taken into account. The Cap module is therefore especially useful for single pile analyses or pile groups with relatively large spacing. Generation

Plasti-Poulos model

Features Elasto-plastic soil behaviour. Layered soil (max. 99 layers). Pile-soil-pile interaction for 2 layers.

Cap Soil Interaction module The Cap Soil Interaction module includes single pile behaviour based on the behaviour of multilayered non linear soils by means of lateral and axial (elastic/elasto-plastic) springs. It allows for input of non uniform piles while elastic soil-pile-soil group interaction is taken into account. This module is advised for small group spacings. It is not as fast as the above mentioned models, but provides detailed data about forces and moments along the length of the piles. It also allows for the use of surface loads.

Features Elasto-plastic soil behaviour. Layered soil (max. 99 layers). Pile-soil-pile interaction for all layers. Raking piles.

Dynamic module The Dynamic module is a dedicated calculation model for dynamic analysis of a collision of a ship against a pile cap. It can be used for both single-pile and multi-pile dolphins. It accounts for the inertia e ects due to the mass of the cap and the piles. The loading is restricted to a mass (ship) impacting the cap at a point, in a direction and at a speed which can be selected by the user. It also incorporates a special soil reaction model that accounts for undrained lateral loading in sand. Features Layered soil (max. 99 layers). No pile-soil-pile interaction.

Cap Soil Interaction Model

Raking piles.

Features Elasto-plastic soil behaviour. Layered soil (max. 99 layers). Pile-soil-pile interaction for 1 layer. Surface loads. Raking piles.

Cap Layered Soil Interaction module The Cap Layered Soil Interaction module is our most sophisticated model and includes single pile behaviour based on the behaviour of multilayered non linear soil modelled in continuum nite elements. It allows for input of non uniform piles while layered soil-pile-soil group interaction is taken into account. This model is also advised for small group spacing where detailed data about forces and moments along the length of the piles is needed. Support Deltares systems tools are supported by Deltares. A group of 70 people in so ware development ensures continuous research and development. Support is provided by the developers and if necessary by the appropriate Deltares experts. These experts can provide consultancy backup as well.
Time-force curve a er ship collision

On-line so ware (Citrix) Besides purchased so ware, Deltares systems tools are available as an on-line service. The input can be created over the internet. Heavy duty calculation servers at Deltares guarantee quick analysis, while results are presented on-line. Users can view and print results as well as locally store project les. Once connected,
Cap Layered Soil Interaction model

clients will be charged by the hour.

Photos by: Elsam A/S and BeeldbankVenW.nl, Rijkswaterstaat.

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