Prediction of soil-pile-interaction in liquefiable ground conditions: from single element calibration to system response
File(s)
Author(s)
Moller, Julia
Kontoe, Stavroula
Taborda, David
Potts, David
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Finite element analyses are an important tool for validating pile designs in complex seismic loading
scenarios involving soil liquefaction. Numerous constitutive models are available in the literature and
can be calibrated to capture select features of the soil response, typically the numbers of cycles to
liquefaction. Even though a close comparison between constitutive models and experimental data can
be achieved in terms of liquefaction resistance in element test conditions, their distinct stress-strain
behaviour and limitations in reproducing dynamic soil properties affect the complex soil-structure
interaction. The choice of the constitutive soil model and its impact on the global system response
thus remains a key uncertainty. This paper provides a comparison of two bounding surface plasticity
models, calibrated to the same laboratory data, and employed in a seismic soil-pile-interaction
problem with otherwise identical conditions. The investigation includes an effective stress-based
hydraulic conductivity model used to capture liquefaction-induced surface settlements. A centrifuge
experiment of a single slender pile subjected to a seismic base excitation serves to validate the
numerical analyses. The paper details which aspects of the global system response are most affected
by the constitutive model choice. A minimal impact is observed on the far-field ground settlements
and the predominant frequency of the system, whereas significant differences occur in excess pore
pressure distributions in the near field of the pile and in the acceleration amplitudes. The prediction of
lower excess pore pressures adjacent to the pile is herein linked to larger bending moments and
smaller permanent displacements of the pile head.
scenarios involving soil liquefaction. Numerous constitutive models are available in the literature and
can be calibrated to capture select features of the soil response, typically the numbers of cycles to
liquefaction. Even though a close comparison between constitutive models and experimental data can
be achieved in terms of liquefaction resistance in element test conditions, their distinct stress-strain
behaviour and limitations in reproducing dynamic soil properties affect the complex soil-structure
interaction. The choice of the constitutive soil model and its impact on the global system response
thus remains a key uncertainty. This paper provides a comparison of two bounding surface plasticity
models, calibrated to the same laboratory data, and employed in a seismic soil-pile-interaction
problem with otherwise identical conditions. The investigation includes an effective stress-based
hydraulic conductivity model used to capture liquefaction-induced surface settlements. A centrifuge
experiment of a single slender pile subjected to a seismic base excitation serves to validate the
numerical analyses. The paper details which aspects of the global system response are most affected
by the constitutive model choice. A minimal impact is observed on the far-field ground settlements
and the predominant frequency of the system, whereas significant differences occur in excess pore
pressure distributions in the near field of the pile and in the acceleration amplitudes. The prediction of
lower excess pore pressures adjacent to the pile is herein linked to larger bending moments and
smaller permanent displacements of the pile head.
Date Acceptance
2026-09-30
Citation
Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
ISSN
0267-7261
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the author’s accepted manuscript will be made available under a CC-BY License in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy).
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted