Numerical Modelling of Axially Loaded Helical Piles: Compressive Resistance

Abstract

Helical piles are foundation systems used to support compression, tension, and lateral loads. However, this type of piles was used around the world for more than 25 years. Its behavior, especially in Iraq, is still unknown and scare. The present study is carried out by analyses of this type of pile using the finite element method. Modeling of the helical pile geometry has been proposed using the finite element through the computer program Plaxis 3D. Parametric analyses were also performed. The main parametric study is the effect of a number of the helix, spacing between helix, the helix diameter, and helix configuration. The main conclusion is that as the number of helix increases, the bearing capacity increases further more than the higher the distance between helix, the higher bearing capacity. Maximum pile capacity with the case of three-helix increased by 115.4 %compared to the case without helix. Pile capacity with the case of spacing 3.5 D reached 130.7 % compared to the case of spacing 0.5 D. The value of displacement decreased with increasing spacing between the helices, while the value of displacement increased with the decrease in the spacing between the helices for top, middle, and bottom helix.

Keywords

• helical pile
• numerical model
• number of a helix
• helix spacing
• changing diameter helix
• effect location of a helix