A three-dimensional numerical model for pullout capacity of single batter piles in sand

Pile foundations are usually recommended when soil capacity is not sufficient for the expected loads of the structure with conventional foundation techniques. While the case of vertical piles is reasonably documented in the literature, the case of batter piles in sand has received little attention from the researchers. This is mainly due to the complexity of modeling the earth pressure distribution around the pile's shaft. Attempts were made to model the pullout behavior of vertical piles numerically using two-dimensional approaches, which does not represent the field condition and accordingly the results are scattering.;Design procedure and design charts have been presented to assist foundation engineers to predict the uplift capacity of batter piles in sand.;In this study a 3D numerical model was developed to investigate the uplift capacity of single batter piles in sand. The model utilizes the powerful software "ABAQUS" version 6.6, which is capable to model such complex interaction in three-dimensional stress analysis. The model was validated with the prototype test results of Hanna and Afram (1986) and field work of Alewnah (1999).