Numerical Analysis of Pre-casted Lightweight Concrete Piles Driving in Clayey Soil

    Abstract:  Pre-casted lightweight concrete (LWC) provide an attractive alternative to conventional pile materials such as steel and concrete by improving the durability of deep foundations. In this Paper, the drivability of cylindrical piles with lightweight concrete is investigated. The drivability of LWC and traditional pile materials is compared using the finite difference analysis. The three-dimensional model is considered to simulate pile-soil system in drivability by FLAC3D. The vertical LWC pile is assumed to behave linear and elastic and the soil is acted in elasto-plastic material obeyed the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Interface elements are also used at the soil-pile contact surfaces along the pile shaft and pile toe to allow the slip occur during the driving procedure. Quiet boundaries are used to prevent waves traveling in the lateral and vertical directions for the soil. The analyses results indicate that LWS piles with selecting the appropriate mixture design and ratio between elastic modulus and specific weight have a better performance in compared on common used concrete and it effect in pile optimum penetration and economical saving.