Numerical Investigation of Triangular Shape Fin Pile under Lateral Loading

Abstract

Monopiles have been widely used as a foundation for offshore as well as onshore structures. These foundation are generally subjected to environmental loads such as wind load. To improve the lateral resistance of monopiles, a spin fin pile has been proposed. A spin fin pile is a newly developed type of pile foundation that is capable of supporting large lateral loads. Finned piles consist of two or more fins welded at top or bottom of a regular pile around its circumferential area. In this study, a nonlinear 3D analysis with an elastic plastic soil model (MohrCoulomb), an elastic pile material (steel)and interface elements are used to model the pile–soil interaction using MIDAS GTS-NX finite element software. Analyses were performed in sand with different relative densities, namely 40% and 55%. Influence of sand on single and group of spin fin pile, relative density and slenderness ratio (L/D) on
lateral response of fin piles is highilighted. Analysis shows that the existence of fin pile provides higher lateral resistance. Further, it was also observed that relative density of sand influences the lateral load carrying capacity of spin fin piles.