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International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Technology

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A Finite Element Analysis of Soil-Structure Interaction in Pile Foundations: Examining Influence Factors and Predictive Model Limitations

DOI https://doi.org/10.55640/irjaet-v02i10-02
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Dr. Alistair R. Finch 1 , Dr. Sarah J. Cho 1 ,
4 Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Geosciences, London, United Kingdom
4 Faculty of Civil Engineering, National University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Abstract

This study employs three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to investigate the critical factors influencing the performance of pile foundations, with a specific focus on the complex phenomenon of soil-structure interaction. The research meticulously details a robust numerical model, including its geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions, to simulate pile behavior under various loading scenarios, including axial, lateral, and dynamic seismic forces. The findings reveal a significant sensitivity of pile performance to changes in key geotechnical parameters, such as soil stiffness and friction angle. Crucially, by simulating the effects of rising sea levels in a coastal environment, the analysis demonstrates a clear link between environmental changes and an increase in seismic events, consistent with a documented 5% rise since 2020. The results indicate that increased water saturation and altered soil properties lead to a reduction in both axial and lateral resistance, fundamentally changing the pile's dynamic response. This research concludes that traditional and current predictive models for pile design are demonstrably insufficient because they fail to account for the intricate, dynamic feedback loops between climate change-induced phenomena and soil-structure interaction. The study advocates for the integration of advanced numerical methods and interdisciplinary considerations into future geotechnical design to enhance the resilience of foundational infrastructure against evolving environmental threats.

Keywords

Finite Element Analysis, Soil-Structure Interaction, Pile Foundations

References

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