Simplified model for analysis of soil-foundation system under cyclic pushover loading

A numerical study of soil-foundation system under monotonic and cyclic pushover loading is conducted, taking into account both material and geometric nonlinearities. A complete and refined 3D finite element (FE) model, using contact condition and allowing separation between soil and foundation, is implemented and used in order to evaluate the nonlinear relationship between applied vertical forces and induced settlements. Based on the obtained curve, a simplified model is proposed, in which the soil inelasticity is satisfactorily represented by two vertical springs with trilinear behavior law, and the foundation uplifting is insured by gap elements. Results from modeling soil-foundation system supporting a bridge pier have shown that the simplified model is able to capture irreversible settlements induced by cyclic rocking, due to soil inelasticity and vertical loading, as well as large rotations due to foundation uplifting.