Nonlinear Buckling Analysis of Slender Piles with Geometric Imperfections

Abstract

The buckling response of straight and initially bent, i.e., geometrically imperfect, end-bearing piles in soil subjected to axial load has been examined in the current study through FEM, considering geometric and material nonlinearities exclusively. Nonlinear buckling analysis is performed herein using the Static/Riks method. Material nonlinearity has been considered by assuming elastic-plastic stress-strain response of the steel pile and the surrounding soil. Parametric sensitivity studies have been performed by changing the slenderness ratios and the initial curvature of the piles. The analyses results show that the load-carrying capacity of the piles decreases with increasing pile curvature and increasing slenderness ratio of the initially bent piles. It was also found that the piles with a half-sine bent carry smaller loads than the piles with a quarter-sine bent.