EFFECT OF EARTHQUAKES ON PILES EMBEDDED IN A LIQUEFIABLE SOIL

Abstract

A 3D model was carried out using ANSYS program in order to investigate the behavior of piles embedded in a liquefiable area during earthquakes. The model contained a CPT215 element that is able to represent the soil under such conditions; as it has an additional degree of freedom for water pressure. An interface element is employed also to simulate the interface between the pile and the enclosing soil. The factors that are considered for well simulating the liquefaction process are: the accumulation of pore water pressure, the reduction of soil stiffness, shear modulus, and the increase of coefficient of permeability. The results showed good model accuracy compared to the previous tests and numerical models, two components of movement are employed to the model; the horizontal and vertical component of EL-CENTRO earthquake.