A model for the 3D kinematic interaction analysis of pile groups in layered soils

The paper presents it numerical model for the analysis of the soil-structure kinematic interaction of single piles and pile groups embedded in layered soil deposits during seismic actions. A finite element model is considered for the pile group and the soil is assumed to be a Winkler-type medium. The pile-soil-pile interaction and the radiation problem are accounted for by means of elastodynarnic Green's functions. Condensation of the problem permits a consistent and straight forward derivation of both the impedance functions and the foundation input motion, which are necessary to perform the inertial soil-structure interaction analyses. The model proposed allows calculating the internal forces induced by soil-pile and pile-to-pile interaction,,. Comparisons with data available in literature are made to Study the convergence and validate the model. Ail application to a realistic pile foundation is given to demonstrate the potential of the model to catch the dynamic behaviour of the soil-foundation system and the stress resultants in each pile. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Soils, Ltd.