Dynamic impedance of a 3x3 pile-group system: Soil plasticity effects

This paper considers dynamic impedance functions and presents a detailed analysis of the soil plasticity influence on the pile-group foundation dynamic response. A three-dimensional finite element model is proposed, and a calculation method considering the time domain is detailed for the nonlinear dynamic impedance functions. The soil mass is modeled as continuum elastoplastic solid using the Mohr-Coulomb shear failure criterion. The piles are modeled as continuum solids and the slab as a structural plate-type element. Quiet boundaries are implemented to avoid wave reflection on the boundaries. The model and method of analysis are validated by comparison with those published on literature. Numerical results are presented in terms of horizontal and vertical nonlinear dynamic impedances as a function of the shear soil parameters (cohesion and internal friction angle), pile spacing ratio and frequencies of the dynamic signal.