Numerical simulation of set-up around shaft of XCC pile in clay

This paper conducts a complicated coupled effective stress analysis of X-section-in-place concrete (XCC) pile installation and consolidation processes using the dual-stage Eulerian-Lagrangian (DSEL) technique incorporating the modified Cam-clay model. The numerical model is verified by centrifuge data and field test results. The main objective of this study is to investigate the shape effect of XCC pile cross-section on radial total stress, excess pore pressure and time-dependent strength. The discrepancies of the penetration mechanism and set-up effects on pile shaft resistance between the XCC pile and circular pile are discussed. Particular attention is placed on the time-dependent strength around the XCC pile shaft. The results show that soil strength improved more significantly close to the flat side compared with the concave side. Additionally, the computed ultimate shaft resistance of XCC pile incorporating set-up effects is 1.45 times that of the circular pile. The present findings are likely helpful in facilitating the incorporation of set-up effects into XCC pile design practices.