Three-Dimensional Beam-Solid Contact Element Formulation For Analysis Of Pile Interaction.

Abstract

This work aims to expand and improve capabilities in the field of geotechnical engineering for modelling
the interaction between piles and soils. This includes the development and implementation of a
new contact formulation for modelling the interface behavior between a pile and the surrounding soil.
In this new formulation, the pile is modelled using a beam element and the soil is modelled using solid
elements. The use of beam elements may allow for better characterization of the pile response while
solid elements are better suited to model the soil. This poses the problem of how to characterize and
model the interface between the pile and soil. This paper presents one possible formulation.