The use of CPT based metamodels to predict the performance of offshore anchor piles

• Published in: Cone Penetration Testing 2022 pp. 1016 - 1022
• Main Authors: Mentani, A, Govoni, L., Bourrier, F.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: CRC Press 2022
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Offshore Piles; FE Model; Load Displacement Response; Load Displacement Curves; Soil Behaviour Type Index; Overburden; Latin Hypercube Sampling Technique; FE Parametric Study; Experimental Load Displacement Curve; SPT; MMs Prediction; Cpt Result; Cone Penetration Testing; Seismic Dilatometer; Cyclic Resistance Ratio; SBT; Tip Resistance; Tensile Capacity; Cone Resistance; FE Model Output; PCE; Fine Uniform Mesh; Load Transfer Curve; Initial Stiffness; Cpt Data
• DOI: 10.1201/9781003308829-153
• ISBN: 9781032362281; 1032362286; 9781032312590; 1032312599

The paper presents the development of metamodels for the prediction of the load-displacement response of steel piles driven in sand subjected to pull-out. Two metamodels are created for the evaluation of the tensile capacity and initial stiffness of the pile. They were developed based on the outcomes of a finite element testing campaign, employing models of parameters derived from the tip resistance of cone penetration tests. Two hundreds finite element simulations, which included various soil-pile configurations, were required to calibrate accurate metamodels. Assessment of the procedure was carried out with reference to available data on a model pile and related cone penetration test results. The approach relies on particularly simplified finite element models, but it can be extended to accommodate modelling features of higher complexity. The results find application to the design of offshore piles used as anchors for floating structures. This chapter presents the development of metamodels for the prediction of the load-displacement response of steel piles driven in sand subjected to pull-out. Two metamodels are created for the evaluation of the tensile capacity and initial stiffness of the pile. The tensile response of offshore piles is traditionally estimated using the shaft load-transfer curve approach, combined with ultimate shaft friction prediction methods. The development of load-transfer curves dates back to the Fifties and several formulations are now available as comprehensively reviewed in Bohn et al. The soil response was modelled as linear-elastic and perfectly plastic, failing according to the Mohr-Coulomb criterion.