Numerical Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Batter Piles under Inclined Loads

Abstract

A three-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element model based on the elastic-plastic constitutive relation of the non-associated flow Mohr-Coulomb criterion is constructed to analyze the influence of inclination angles of loads and piles on the mechanical properties of batter piles under inclined loads. The results indicate that (1) the stiffness of batter pile depends on both its axial and horizontal stiffness under a smaller inclined load and does not become maximum under an axial force because of the existing stiffness balance in the axial and horizontal directions. (2) The relationship between the ultimate compressive bearing capacity of batter pile and the load inclination angle exhibits an M shape. The peak of this capacity appears near a small load inclination angle rather than under axial load. (3) The stiffness and bearing capacity of batter pile increase with pile inclination under positive inclined loads, whereas the results show the opposite behavior under negative inclined loads. (4) The ultimate loads on batter pile with different inclinations are significantly affected by the coefficient of friction between the pile and soil.