Numerical Validation of Fully Coupled Nonlinear Seismic Soil–Pile–Structure Interaction

Abstract

While many researchers have broadly studied soil–structure interaction (SSI) problems to comprehend SSI effects on the overall system’s behavior, some critical numerical modeling issues have not been sufficiently investigated to achieve the most accurate results. Furthermore, most scholars have not provided detailed explanations of the validation process for their proposed numerical models. Modeling pile foundations in a three-dimensional (3D) continuum system in a fully coupled manner is often challenging for engineers who do not specialize in structural and geotechnical earthquake engineering, as it can be very time-consuming and complicated. Therefore, this work aims to validate a finite element model of seismic soil–pile–structure interaction (SPSI) problems in a continuum soil body by comparing the results of numerical models with those of a centrifuge test and computed numerical simulations available in the literature. In this regard, several newly developed elements in OpenSees (Version 3.6.0) are tested. The results of this work demonstrate a closer alignment with prior experimental research findings. It is believed that providing detailed numerical modeling and validation processes will assist researchers in better understanding crucial issues in modeling soil–pile–structure interaction problems.

Keywords

• soil–pile–structure interaction (SPSI)
• finite element method (FEM)
• continuum method
• direct method
• centrifuge test
• Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees)