Modelling foundation piles in SAP2000

[james37]

Hi everyone,

I have a building project in hands in which is required to simulate several foundations conditions:

1 - Foundation slab among piles;

2 - Only Piles.

My doubdt relies on the the best way to simulate those referred piles. Until now i'm modelling the piles "only", by assigning "winkler" springs. Is it the correct way?

I'm also asking this, because, in the reality those piles might get to its stress limits and, in that case part of the loading goes to the slab. That's why i'm not sure if the way i'm simulating is the correct way.

The only data received from the foundations team (it is another company) is the pile stifness and its strees capacity.

Thank you,

 

[briancpotter]

Modeling the piles as springs is correct. However, I believe it's inappropriate to assume load will begin to transfer into the spread footing once the pile has reached it's capacity. Even at capacity the piles will be much stiffer than the surrounding soil, and will continue to take the lion's share of the load until the point of failure.

I would not recommend using both soil capacity and piles on the same footing (though different footings on the same building might work, provided you check differential settlements).

Brian C Potter, PE

http://simplesupports.wordpress.com

 

[james37]

Hi Brian,

Thanks for your response. However i have another question.

In terms of SAP2000, is it possible to simulate foundation piles in any other way? For example, trying to model those elements by assigning them a plastic behaviour?

Thank You once again.