A numerical model for predicting pile setup in clay

Pore pressure dissipation following pile installation contributes to the increase in pile capacity following pile installation, which is known as pile setup. It is an important parameter in the design of pile foundations in clay. However prediction of pile setup is a challenging task due to the large soil deformations and excess pore pressure generation around the pile during installation and subsequent equilibration of excess pore pressures. In this paper, a numerical model based on the finite element method has been presented to simulate pile installation and subsequent pore pressure dissipation. The analysis is carried out using the coupled theory of nonlinear porous media, where the constitutive behaviour of the soil is modeled using the Modified Cam Clay model. Applicability of the numerical model has been illustrated using data from a piezocone test and model pile tests at two well-documented test sites. Copyright ASCE 2008.