Finite Element Analysis of Pile Foundations Subject to Pull-Out

Abstract

Pile behaviour under conventional downward loading and lateral loading has been extensively investigated. Pile behaviour when subjected to pull-out loads, however, is yet to be understood fully. In this paper we investigate the behaviour of piles in sand under tensile pull-out loading using finite element analysis. The variation of pull-out resistance with soil density, pile size and speed of pull is investigated. To impart a degree of confidence in the finite element results, centrifuge modelling of the same problem was carried out. The results from both these modelling techniques are compared. The implications for the finite element modellers of using simplified constitutive models are discussed. Modelling of interfaces between sand and structure when high degrees of relative movement occur, is considered.