computation

Article
3D FEM Analysis of a Pile-Supported Riverine
Platform under Environmental Loads Incorporating
Soil-Pile Interaction
Denise-Penelope N. Kontoni 1, * and Ahmed Abdelraheem Farghaly 2, *
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece,
GR-26334 Patras, Greece
2 Department of Civil and Architectural Constructions, Faculty of Industrial Education, Sohag University,
Sohag 82524, Egypt
* Correspondence: kontoni@teiwest.gr (D.-P.N.K.); farghaly@techedu.sohag.edu.eg (A.A.F.);
Tel.: +30-2610-369031 (D.-P.N.K.); +20-93-233-0630 (A.A.F.)

Received: 14 December 2017; Accepted: 23 January 2018; Published: 25 January 2018

Abstract: An existing riverine platform in Egypt, together with its pile group foundation, is analyzed
under environmental loads using 3D FEM structural analysis software incorporating soil-pile
interaction. The interaction between the transfer plate and the piles supporting the platform is
investigated. Two connection conditions were studied assuming fixed or hinged connection between
the piles and the reinforced concrete platform for the purpose of comparison of the structural behavior.
The analysis showed that the fixed or hinged connection condition between the piles and the platform
altered the values and distribution of displacements, normal force, bending moments, and shear
forces along the length of each pile. The distribution of piles in the pile group affects the stress
distribution on both the soil and platform. The piles were found to suffer from displacement failure
rather than force failure. Moreover, the resulting bending stresses on the reinforced concrete plate in
the case of a fixed connection between the piles and the platform were almost doubled and much
higher than the allowable reinforced concrete stress and even exceeded the ultimate design strength
and thus the environmental loads acting on a pile-supported riverine offshore platform may cause
collapse if they are not properly considered in the structural analysis and design.

Keywords: riverine platform; offshore structure; pile group foundation; soil-pile interaction;
environmental loads; materially nonlinear static analysis; FEM

1. Introduction
The riverine platforms at the Nile River in Egypt are used for several purposes in the development
of civilization utilities and projects. Urbanization in the countryside and the narrow valley increases
the need for mega-projects across the Nile River, such as bridges and water projects that require
deep foundations (such as caissons or piles) at the bottom of the river. Egyptian national projects
of great importance have been constructed across the Nile River and among them the Sohag water
plant. The Nile river water pump station in Sohag city (at the western project in the first Shush
Street) was investigated to assess the safety of the structure under environmental and working loads.
The riverine platform is subjected to dead, live, and environmental loads (wind, water waves, and water
current loads). The upper reinforced concrete plate transmits these loads to the piles and the piles
transmit the loads to the soil surrounding and beneath them.
Concerning pile structural behavior, Lysmer and Kuhlemeyer [1] concluded that the maximum
deflection in the upper part of the pile decreases with pile depth, and an increase of pile size did
not cause a significant impact on pile response. For the dynamic response, Tallavó et al. [2] studied

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Computation 2018, 6, 8 2 of 16

the average frequency of a platform during the period May 1993 to July 1994 and found that it was
0.42 Hz with a standard deviation of 0.0042 Hz. Razavi et al. [3] concluded that the batter piles increase
the lateral stiffness of pier and reduce displacement, and it is recommended to avoid the use of batter
piles with plumb piles in a design. Chau et al. [4] tested a soil-pile-structure model on a shaking table for
medium-graded river sand with a single-storey steel structure placed on a concrete pile cap, supported
by four end-bearing concrete piles, and they found that the acceleration at the level of the pile cap
increased by three times compared to the structure acceleration. Nonlinear pounding between piles
and soils occurred, and as a result, cracking in piles occurred. Hussien et al. [5] studied the seismic
response of end bearing piles supporting simple structures and their results showed that the inertial
effect of the superstructure on the pile response is frequency dependent and the pile response at low
frequencies is controlled basically by its bending rigidity rather than the kinematic effect of soil or
inertial effect of structure. Abu Seif and El-Shater [6] concluded that Sohag Governorate, especially in
the floodplain region, has encountered numerous specific construction problems because of Sohag’s
unique sedimentation history and where loading is high, deep foundations are usually used to reduce
settlement, or ground improvement is applied to a depth of up to 15 m. Mandal et al. [7] investigated
the lateral load carrying capacity of short piles in layered soil and they concluded that the elastic
properties of the pile-soil system are conceptually more relevant for analyzing the elastic range
response and are hence used as fundamental parameters. Chore et al. [8] concluded that the increase
in number of piles in a pile group decreases the displacement, the increase in the pile diameter reduces
the displacement, parallel configuration of the pile group yields higher displacement than the series
arrangement, the end bearing pile yields less displacement than the floating pile, and the SSI is found
to increase the maximum negative and maximum positive bending moment on piles. Ravi Kumar
Reddy and Gunneswara Rao [9] studied an experimental and numerical model of a building frame
resting on pile groups embedded in cohesionless soil and the experimental results showed non-linear
variation and considerable deviation from the linear FEA results, and for the frame under the eccentric
concentrated load, larger lateral displacements generated rotations and lesser settlements at the column
base of the far end from the load. Kaynia [10] studied the effect of flexible slabs on the dynamic and
seismic responses of pile groups and concluded that the stiffness and damping of pile foundations
increase with the thickness of the foundation slab, and the flexible slabs tend to reduce the large peaks
of horizontal stiffness at the pile group. Asgarian et al. [11] studied an experimental and numerical
simulation of a jacket type offshore platform subjected to an earthquake in order to investigate
the effect of soil-pile-structure interaction and concluded that soil-pile-structure interaction decreases
the natural frequency and increases the equivalent modal damping of the structure. Cheng and Liu [12]
proposed an efficient and practical algorithm for the reliability analysis of steel cable-stayed bridges
and concluded that the effect of the soil-pile interaction is not significant in evaluating the reliability,
but the modulus of subgrade reaction is the most important soil-pile interaction-related parameter.
Hamilton [13] concluded that for a pile, the least amount of deformation occurred in the middle range
of saturation of soil due to the rapid loading rates which occur during earthquakes and the saturated
nature of the foundation. Dode et al. [14] concluded that the increase in the displacement is observed
to be in the range of 38% to 75% when the effect of SSI is taken into account for groups with two and
three piles; however, increasing the number of piles can result in a decrease of the displacement.
Mehndiratta et al. [15] concluded that increasing the piles’ diameter, decreases the response of
the pile groups and vice versa. As the length of the pile increases, the maximum deflection first
decreases and then becomes constant. Sand Poisson’s ratio and density do not have any considerable
effect on pile head displacement. Maximum bending moment decreases as the elastic modulus of
soil increases. Abdel-Mohti and Khodair [16] studied the pile-soil interaction in a soft soil under
axial and lateral loading using finite difference and finite element software which defined soil as
isolated springs and found that the seismic soil-pile-structure interaction increases lateral displacement,
which shifts the performance level of the structure from life safe to near collapse or collapse levels.
Kaynia and Andersen [17] and Kaynia et al. [18] represented the soil under the platform as springs
Computation 2018, 6, 8 3 of 16

with stiffness tuning with the concrete stiffness values. Kim et al. [19] studied a laterally loaded
mono-pile type offshore wind turbine supported by a series of discrete springs, each having its own
nonlinear load-displacement characteristics, and concluded that the internal friction angle of seabed
sandy soil is the most dominant design factor. Yi et al. [20] studied wind turbine offshore models
supported by mono-pile, and found that the natural frequency was more significantly affected by
the equivalent load amplitude, and the jacket-supported offshore wind turbine is more robust in
terms of the consistency of the natural frequency under different equivalent load amplitudes and
uncertain soil conditions, at water depths between 20 and 30 m. Durante et al. [21] concluded that
the complex seismic pile-soil interaction phenomenon can be efficiently investigated by testing models
on a shaking table. Chatterjee et al. [22] studied the seismic analysis of a laterally loaded pile applying
a pseudo-static methodology and concluded that if the soil is saturated, the bending moment at the pile
top is amplified by around 4 and 7.8 times (for two specific seismic motions respectively), and that
with a reduction in the l/d ratio of the pile, the normalized moment at the pile head is increased
while the normalized displacement is reduced. Ukritchon et al. [23] concluded that in a pile group,
the maximum effect happens at the corner piles and it decreases as the location of the pile gets closer to
the center but increases again below the applied vertical load. Additional discussion on the effects and
modeling of SSI can be found in the book by Elnashai and Di Sarno [24], where a detailed description
of the pros and cons of the methods for assessing SSI is also included.
In this paper, the structural analysis of an existing riverine platform (with dimensions
26 m × 17 m) in Sohag city was performed using the finite element-based computer software SAP2000
v.17 (Computers and Structures, Inc., Walnut Creek, CA, USA) [25] and the effects of the environmental
loads affecting such a platform were studied, especially the impact of these loads on the pile
groups that are supporting this platform taking into consideration the soil-pile-structure interaction.
Two connection conditions were studied assuming a fixed or hinged connection between the piles and
the reinforced concrete platform for the purpose of comparison.

2. Model Description
The Nile river water pump station in Sohag city (at the western project in the first Shush Street)
consists of a pedestrian bridge with a length of 90 m mounted on 62 piles and a platform with
dimensions of 26 m × 17 m as shown in Figure 1. The transfer reinforced concrete plate is 800 mm
thick (with upper and lower reinforcement meshes 8ϕ18/m’ in both directions, rebar chairs ϕ22/m’ in
both directions to hold in position the upper mesh and reinforcement cover 50 mm at top and bottom)
and is mounted on 108 piles. Transfer plate structures have the ability to redistribute the loads from
the superstructure above to the pile group below, to provide the safe transmission of loads to the pile
group and to the soil without the failure of soil or structural elements. The platform is constructed at
a distance of 100 m away from the river bank. Each pile has a circular section of 550 mm diameters with
steel pipe casing of 20 mm thick. The pile length is 25 m, out of which 14 m are embedded in the river
bed. Figure 2 shows the dimensions and the arrangement of piles in the platform, where the distances
between piles are not equal. Table 1 represents the geometrical and material properties of the structural
elements of the platform and piles. (These values of Young’s modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio
for concrete are also used for piles by Chore and Ingle [26]).
The vertical loads acting on the platform are as follows: a steel frame having a total weight of
300 kN, six pumps causing a total force of 600 kN, two generators with a weight of 60 kN, electricity
panel causing a load of 5 kN, and additionally distributed live loads of 10 kN/m2 acting on the area of
the platform. The effects of the steel frame and the equipment loads on deck were considered and
modeled as distributed load on the platform. The environmental loads including the wind load effect
and the surrounding water wave and current load effects on the platform and piles are presented in
Section 2.3. Thus, the platform is subjected to the following loads: (1) Own weight of the steel frame
structure, the RC plate, and the equipment loads; (2) Moving loads of the forklift and live load on
the RC plate; and (3) Environmental loads consisting of the wind, wave, and current forces.
Computation 2018, 6, 8 4 of 16
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Figure
Figure 1. Platform view.
Figure 1.
1. Platform
Platform view.
view.

Table 1.
Table 1. Geometrical
Geometrical and
and material
material properties
properties for
for the
the elements
elements of
of the
of the platform
the platform and
platform and piles.
and piles.
piles.
Properties
Properties Corresponding Values
Corresponding Values
Properties Corresponding Values
Pile
Pile diameter
diameter (D) (D) 550
550 mmmm
Pile diameter
Length of (D)(L)
of pile
pile 55025
mm m
Length
Length of pile (L)
(L) 25 m
25 m
Thickness
Thicknessofof
Thickness
of pile
pile
pile
cap
capcap
800
800
800 mm
mm
mm
Grade
Grade of
Grade of concrete
ofconcrete
concrete used
used
used for
pilepile
forfor cap cap
pile cap Characteristic
Characteristic compressive
compressive
Characteristic compressive strength:
strength:
strength: 40
40 MPa
40 MPa MPa
Young’s modulus
Young’s modulus of
of of elasticity
elasticity (ECC))
(EC )(E 0.3605
0.3605 ×× 8
×1010
10kPa
8 kPa
Young’s modulus elasticity 0.3605 8 kPa
Poisson’s
Poisson’s ratio forfor
concrete (µC(μ) 0.15
Poisson’s ratio
ratio for concrete
concrete (μCC)) 0.15
0.15

2
2
2.4
2.4 2.5
2.5 2.5
2.5 2.5
2.5 2.5
2.5 2.5
2.5 2.5
2.5 2.6
2.6 1.5
1.5 1.9
1.9 1.5
1.5

P3
P3 1.3
2.6
2.6 1.25
1.3 1.25

00.5
.5 55
2.6
2.6

11 P2
P2 1
1
17.0
17.0

2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6

Y
1.3

Y
1.25 1.3

P1
P1
1.25

X
X
26.0
26.0

2
2
(i) Plan
(i) Plan (m)
(m)

Figure 2. Cont.
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26.0 17.0
3.0 0.7

3.0 0.7
Deck
Wind
Load
GWL Still Water Level Still level

0.55
Current Load
8.0

8.0
D

Bed Level Mud Level Riverbed

14.0

14.0
steel pipe filled
with RC concrete

(ii) Sec. 1-1 (m) (iii) Sec. 2-2 (m)

0
55
510
Steel pipe th. 2mm
R.C. Dia. 510mm

12 18mm
spiral stirap 8mm

(iv) Pile cross section (mm)

Figure 2. The platform plan and sections.

Figure 2. The platform plan and sections.

2.1. Computer Modeling of Platform

2.1. Computer Modeling of Platform
A three-dimensional structural model was constructed by the finite element method and
A three-dimensional structural model was constructed by the finite element method and materially
materially nonlinear static analysis was performed for the platform and the supporting piles. Two
nonlinear static analysis was performed for the platform and the supporting piles. Two supporting
supporting conditions were considered assuming a fixed and hinged connection between piles and
conditions were considered assuming a fixed and hinged connection between piles and the reinforced
the reinforced concrete platform for the purpose of comparison. The SAP2000 v.17 software [25] was
concrete platform for the purpose of comparison. The SAP2000 v.17 software [25] was used to obtain
used to obtain the responses of the transfer plate and pile group, where the finite element model is
the responses of the transfer plate and pile group, where the finite element model is shown in Figure 3.
shown in Figure 3. The thick reinforced concrete plate of the platform was modeled using
The thick reinforced concrete plate of the platform was modeled using four-noded thick shell elements
four-noded thick shell elements and the additional loads and masses on the top of the platform
and the additional loads and masses on the top of the platform structure were assumed as uniformly
structure were assumed as uniformly distributed loads (including steel frames, pumps, generators,
distributed loads (including steel frames, pumps, generators, electricity panels, and live load). The piles
electricity panels, and live load). The piles were modeled utilizing frame elements. The soil (until 2
were modeled utilizing frame elements. The soil (until 2 m depth) was modeled by spring-gap elements
m depth) was modeled by spring-gap elements with stiffness k and gap distance δ used between
with stiffness k and gap distance δ used between each pile and the soil at a depth of 1 m under the soil
each pile and the soil at a depth of 1 m under the soil surface (both in x and y directions), to account
surface (both in x and y directions), to account for the gap that may occur between the pile and
for the gap that may occur between the pile and soil due to the lateral load actions. For the
soil due to the lateral load actions. For the remaining depth (under the 2 m), the soil was modeled
remaining depth (under the 2 m), the soil was modeled by soil springs (without gap) in
by soil springs (without gap) in three-dimensions until the bearing level (i.e., the end) of each pile.
three-dimensions until the bearing level (i.e., the end) of each pile. The soil around the pile group
The soil around the pile group was considered to be formed of three layers with different properties as
was considered to be formed of three layers with different properties as described in Section 2.5.
described in Section 2.5. The results of the two models with fixed and hinged connections between
The results of the two models with fixed and hinged connections between the piles and the
the piles and the platform were compared.
platform were compared.
Computation 2018, 6, 8 6 of 16
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Platform Level Platform Level

Water Level Water Level

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Platform Level Platform Level

Water Level Water Level

Mud level

Skin Friction F

Mud level

Skin Friction F
lateral resistance springs

lateral resistance springs

Tip Reaction Spring q

P

(i) (ii) (iii)

Figure 3. (i) The 3D finite element model used in SAP2000 v.17, (ii) Illustration of soil springs, and
Figure 3. (i) The 3D finite element model used in SAP2000 v.17,Tip Reaction
(ii) Illustration of soil springs, and (iii)
(iii) Spring-Gap element (at 1 m under bed level). Spring q

Spring-Gap element (at 1 m under bed level).

2.2. Natural Vibration Analysis (i) (ii) (iii)
2.2. Natural Vibration
Figure Analysis
3. (i) The 3D finite element model used in SAP2000 v.17, (ii) Illustration of soil springs, and
Eigenvector analysis determines the undamped free-vibration mode shapes and natural
(iii) Spring-Gap element These
(at 1 mnatural
under bed level).provide an excellent insight into the behavior of the
Eigenvectorofanalysis
frequencies the system.
determines modes
the undamped free-vibration mode shapes and natural
structure
frequencies of and
the they can
system. also
These be used as
natural the basisprovide
modes for response-spectrum or time-history
an excellent insight analyses.
into the behavior of
2.2. Natural Vibration
Eigenvector analysisAnalysis
involves the solution of the generalized eigenvalue problem:
the structure and they can also be used as the basis for response-spectrum or time-history analyses.
Eigenvector analysis determines the undamped
2M)φ = free-vibration mode shapes and natural
Eigenvector analysis involves the solution of(Kthe
− ωgeneralized
0 eigenvalue problem: (1)
frequencies of the system. These natural modes provide an excellent insight into the behavior of the
where K and
structure is the
theystiffness
can alsomatrix,
be used M asis the
the basis
diagonal mass matrix, ω2 is the diagonal matrix of
2 for response-spectrum or time-history analyses.
eigenvalues,analysis
Eigenvector and φ isinvolves
the matrix
the of
(K −
corresponding
solution
ω M)ϕ =0
eigenvectors
of the generalized (mode shapes).
eigenvalue problem:
(1)
For natural vibration analyses, a total seismic mass including self-weight DL plus 25% of LL (1.0
[27];(KECP-201
−ω 2M)φ = 0 (1)
2 is the diagonal matrix of eigenvalues,
where DL
K is+ the
0.25stiffness matrix, M(ACI
LL) is considered is the
318diagonal mass matrix,
[28]). Theωnatural periods and vibration mode
and ϕwhere
is the matrix
shapes K theofstiffness
areiscomputed corresponding
by eigenvalue
matrix, M eigenvectors
analysis. The (mode
is the diagonalvalues shapes).
of
mass natural
matrix,periods are shown
ω2 is the in Table
diagonal matrix2 for
of
up natural
For to the sixvibration
eigenvalues, modes
and φ isofthe
vibration
matrix and
analyses, a the
totalfirst threeeigenvectors
seismic
of corresponding vibration modes
mass including
(modeareshapes).
shown in Figure
self-weight DL4.plus 25% of LL
For natural
(1.0 DL + 0.25 LL) is vibration analyses,
considered a total
(ACI 318 seismic
[27]; mass [28]).
ECP-201 including
Theself-weight DL plusand
natural periods 25%vibration
of LL (1.0 mode
DL + 0.25 LL) is considered (ACI 318 [27]; ECP-201 [28]). The natural periods and
shapes are computed by eigenvalue analysis. The values of natural periods are shown in Tablevibration mode2 for up
shapes are computed by eigenvalue analysis. The values of natural periods are shown in Table 2 for
to the six modes of vibration and the first three vibration modes are shown in Figure 4.
up to the six modes of vibration and the first three vibration modes are shown in Figure 4.

1st mode-fixed 2nd mode-fixed 3rd mode-fixed

1st mode-fixed 2nd mode-fixed 3rd mode-fixed

Figure 4. Cont.
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1st mode-hinged 2nd mode-hinged 3rd mode-hinged

Figure 4. First three mode shapes of the model assuming a fixed and hinged connection between the
4. First
Figurepiles three mode shapes of the model assuming a fixed and hinged connection between
and the reinforced concrete plate of the platform.
the piles and the reinforced concrete plate of the platform.
Table 2. First six eigenvalues and natural periods of the model assuming a fixed and hinged
Table 2. First six between
connection eigenvalues andand
the piles natural periods of
the reinforced the model
concrete plate assuming a fixed and hinged connection
of the platform.
between the piles and the reinforced concrete plate of the platform.
Fixed Hinged
Mode
ω2 (rad/s)2 T (s) ω2 (rad/s)2 T (s)
1 Fixed
7.47 2.30 2.12 Hinged
4.31
Mode
2ω2 (rad/s) 2
13.8 T1.68
(s) ω 2 (rad/s)2.85
4.86 2 T (s)
3 22.6 1.32 9.39 2.05
1 4 7.47 195 2.30
0.45 1502.12 0.51 4.31
2 5 13.8202.6 1.68
0.44 1504.86 0.51 2.85
3 6 22.6221.7 1.32
0.42 1509.39 0.51 2.05
4 195 0.45 150 0.51
5
2.3. Environmental Loads 202.6 0.44 150 0.51
6 221.7 0.42 150 0.51
The environmental loads include water current loads, water wave loads, and wind loads that
were considered as follows:
2.3. Environmental Loads
2.3.1.
The Current Force loads include water current loads, water wave loads, and wind loads that
environmental
were considered asforce
The drag follows:
is given by Equation (2) (API [29]; Chandrasekaran [30]):
ρ
2.3.1. Current Force FD = C d AU 2 (2)
2
The drag
where, FDforce
is theis given
drag by(kN),
force Equation (2)drag
Cd is the (API [29]; Chandrasekaran
coefficient, [30]): (t/m3), A is the cross
ρ is the water density
section (m2), and U is the current velocity ranging from 0.1 to 2.3 m/s (Sutcliffe and Parks [31]). This
ρ 2
D = and
force acts on the part of piles between theFwater Cd bedAUlevel. (2)
2
2.3.2. Wave Force
where, FD is the drag force (kN), Cd is the drag coefficient, ρ is the water density (t/m3 ), A is the cross
2 ), and
section (mThe total U
force
is is
thecalculated
currentby using Morison’s
velocity rangingequation,
from 0.1which decomposes
to 2.3 the total
m/s (Sutcliffe andforce into [31]).
Parks
an inertia component and a drag component (API [29]; Chandrasekaran
This force acts on the part of piles between the water and bed level. [30]):
du 1
2.3.2. Wave Force F = ρCm V + ρ C d Au u (3)
dt 2
The total force is calculated by using Morison’s equation, which decomposes du the total force into
where F is the total force, Cm is the inertia coefficient, u is the current velocity, is the current
an inertia component and a drag component (API [29]; Chandrasekaran [30]): dt
acceleration, and V is the object volume. This force acts on piles at the water level position.
du 1
F = ρCm V + ρCd Au|u| (3)
dt 2

where F is the total force, Cm is the inertia coefficient, u is the current velocity, du
dt is the current
acceleration, and V is the object volume. This force acts on piles at the water level position.
Computation 2018, 6, 8 8 of 16

2.3.3. Wind Force

The wind force is assumed as recommended by Egyptian Code for the calculation of loads and
forces ECP-201 [28] as follows:
2
F = 0.0437Cs A p U10 (4)

where F is the wind force in kN, Cs is the shape structure factor, Ap is the cross section (m2 ), and U10 is
the wind velocity (Km/h). This force acts on the part of piles over the water level and an equivalent
wind force from the steel frame on the platform.

2.4. Design of Piles for Skin Friction and Tip Resistance

In this study, the piles supporting the platform are considered as combined skin friction and
bearing pile type (Mosher and Dawkins [32]; NAVFAC [33]). The full ultimate downward capacity of
the pile for both types of side resistance (skin friction) and tip resistance (end-bearing) piles according
to the NAVFAC [33] is obtained as follows:

QU = Qtip + Qside (5)

where QU is the ultimate downward capacity, Qtip is the ultimate tip resistance (end-bearing capacity),
and Qside is the ultimate side resistance (skin friction capacity).

2.5. Soil Layers of River Bed

Characterization of the soil under the bed level of the Nile River and a description of each soil
layer can be found, e.g., in Warner et al. [34].
From bed level until 2 m under bed level (i.e., bed: −2.00), the soil is the same as that of Layer (1)
in Table 3 and this depth is represented as two spring-gap elements (at 1 m under bed level, one in
x-direction and one in y-direction) between each pile and the soil to account for the gap that may occur
between each pile and the soil due to the lateral load actions, where the gap distance equals zero and
the stiffness of the spring equals Kx = Ky of Layer (1) in Table 3.
Additionally, from 2 m to 14 m under the bed level, the three layers of soil (which the piles of
the platform pass through) were modeled as soil springs in three-dimensions arranged all over the length
of the piles until the end of the piles. Table 3 represents the herein used three river bed soil layers and
summarizes their properties (Mandal et al. [7]) and the calculated stiffness in three-dimensions: Kx , Ky ,
and Kz (Newmark and Rosenblueth [35]; Mosher and Dawkins [32]; NAVFAC [33]).

Table 3. Properties of the three soil layers.

Stiffness (kN/m)
Layer Depth (m) Description Cu (kN/m2 ) γ (kN/m3 ) ϕ(o ) ν Es (kN/m2 )
Kx Ky Kz
Layer (1) −2:−4 Medium 50 18 30 0.45 3200 25 25 72
Layer (2) −4:−8 Stiff 100 19 35 0.35 5625 66 66 122
Layer (3) −8:−14 Very stiff 200 22 37 0.30 11,250 100 100 201

3. Results and Discussion

The riverine platform constructed in the Nile River was analyzed under different loading
conditions to check its ability to withstand the applied loads and environmental effects that it may be
exposed to. The three main environmental loads were taken into consideration. The wind loads which
were considered to affect the steel frame and the part of the piles over water level, the wave forces
which were assumed to affect the piles at the water level, and the current forces which were assumed
to affect all piles from the water level until bed level.
The SAP2000 v.17 software [25] was used to analyze the platform and piles. Materially nonlinear
static analyses were performed for the platform and the supporting piles. The connection between pile
Computation 2018, 6, 8 9 of 16

heads and the reinforced concrete platform was assumed to be fixed in one case and to be hinged in
another case for the purpose of comparison of the structural behavior.
The pile response was obtained in the form of displacement in the x and y horizontal directions,
normal force (Nf), shear forces in the x and y directions (Qx and Qy), and the bending moments
Mx and My. Three piles at different locations were selected for the response investigation as marked
by P1 at position x = 0 m and y = 0 m, P2 at position x = 12.4 m and y = 7.75 m, and P3 at position
x = 12.4 m and y = 15.5 m, as shown in Figure 2. Table 4 illustrates the pile response symbols and their
descriptions that will be used in the following Figures and discussion.

Table 4. Symbol definitions.

Symbol Definition Symbol Definition

Displacement in x-direction for pile P1
X0
(at zero distance from platform)
Displacement in x-direction for pile P2
X 7.75
(at 7.75 m distance from platform)
Displacement in x-direction for pile P3
X 15.5
(at 15.5 m distance from platform)
Displacement in y-direction for pile P1
Y0
(at zero distance from platform)
Displacement in y-direction for pile P2
Y 7.75
(at 7.75 m distance from platform)
Displacement in y-direction for pile P3
Y 15.5
(at 15.5 m distance from platform)
Normal force in pile P1 (at zero distance
Nf 0
from platform) with fixed end condition
Normal force in pile P2 (at 7.75 m distance
Nf 7.75
from platform) with fixed end condition
Normal force in pile P3 (at 15.5 m distance
Nf 15.5
from platform) with fixed end condition
Normal force in pile P1 (at zero distance
Nh 0
from platform) with hinged end condition
Normal force in pile P2 (at 7.75 m distance
Nh 7.75
from platform) with hinged end condition
Normal force in pile P3 (at 15.5 m distance
Nh 15.5
from platform) with hinged end condition
Bending moment in x-direction in pile P1
Mx 0, Mx P1
(at zero distance from platform)
Bending moment in x-direction in pile P2
Mx 7.75, Mx P2
(at 7.75 m distance from platform)
Bending moment in x-direction in pile P3
Mx 15.5, Mx P3
(at 15.5 m distance from platform)
Bending moment in y-direction in pile P1
My 0, My P1
(at zero distance from platform)
Bending moment in y-direction in pile P2
My 7.75, My P2
(at 7.75 m distance from platform)
Bending moment in y-direction in pile P3
My 15.5, My P3
(at 15.5 m distance from platform)
Shear force in x-direction in pile P1
Qx 0
(at zero distance from platform)
Shear force in x-direction in pile P2
Qx 7.75
(at 7.75 m distance from platform)
Shear force in x-direction in pile P3
Qx 15.5
(at 15.5 m distance from platform)
Shear force in y-direction in pile P1
Qy 0
(at zero distance from platform)
Shear force in y-direction in pile P2
Qy 7.75
(at 7.75 m distance from platform)
Shear force in y-direction in pile P3
Qy 15.5
(at 15.5 m distance from platform)

Figure 5 shows the displacements in x and y directions for the selected three piles P1, P2, and P3
(located at different distances) assuming a hinged connection between each pile and the reinforced
concrete platform plate. Top displacements in the x direction for piles at different distances resulted
in large differences in their values; however, at the river bed level (at depth of −12 m), the values of
displacements were relatively closer, as depicted in Figure 5a. Figure 5b illustrates the displacements in
the y direction for the same selected piles. It is obvious that the values of y displacements are very close
and tend to be almost identical. It is also realized that the displacement at a depth of −12 m (river bed
level) in the y direction is about 40% larger than the displacements in the x direction. This behavior
can be explained by the fact that the reinforced concrete plate acted as a rigid diaphragm in its short
direction (width of 17 m) so all piles suffered almost the same top displacement in the y direction.
However, the longer side of the reinforced concrete plate with a length of 26 m in the x direction
(rectangularity ratio = 1.53) reduced its rigidity, leading to the resulting large differences in the pile
top displacements.
Figure 6 illustrates the displacements in x and y directions for the selected three piles (P1, P2,
and P3) assuming a fixed connection with the reinforced concrete plate. The top displacements of
the piles at different distances are greatly reduced compared with the hinged connection case and
kept constant values for the upper nearly 2 m length due to the fixation effect, as shown in Figure 6a.
On the other hand, displacement in the y direction showed similar values and behavior as the case
of a hinged connection, as can be realized from the comparison of Figures 5b and 6b. Therefore,
it can be stated that the fixed connection between the piles and the reinforced concrete plate increased
Computation 2018, 6, 8 10 of 16

Computation 2018, 6, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 16

Computation 2018, 6, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 16
the overall stiffness and rigidity of the platform structure in the long direction without a remarkable
overall stiffness and rigidity of the platform structure in the long direction without a remarkable
effect inoverall
effectshort
the the direction.
instiffness
shortand
direction.
rigidity of the platform structure in the long direction without a remarkable
effect in the short direction.
0 0

0 0
-5 -5

-5 -5
-10 -10

Depth(m)
Depth(m)

-10 -10

Depth(m)
Depth(m)

-15 -15

-15 -15
-20 -20

-20 -20
-25 -25
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
-25 -25
Displacement(mm) Displacement(mm)
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
X0 Displacement(mm)
X7.75 X15.5 Y0 Displacement(mm)
Y7.75 Y15.5
(a) Displacement
X0 X7.75
in X15.5
x direction (b) Displacement
Y0 Y7.75 in Y15.5
y direction
(a) Displacement in x direction (b) Displacement in y direction
Figure 5. Displacements of selected different distance piles assuming a hinged connection between
Figure 5. Displacements
the piles
Figure 5. and
of selected
the reinforced
Displacements
different
concretedifferent
of selected
distance
plate of the piles
platform.
distance
assuming a hinged connection between
piles assuming a hinged connection between
the pilestheand the
piles reinforced
and concrete
the reinforced plate
concrete plateofofthe
the platform.
platform.
0 0

0 0
-5 -5

-5 -5
-10
Depth(m)

-10
Depth(m)

-10
Depth(m)

-10
Depth(m)

-15 -15

-15 -15
-20 -20

-20 -20
-25 -25
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
-25 Displacement(mm)
-25
Displacement(mm)
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
X0 Displacement(mm)
X7.75 X15.5 Y0 Displacement(mm)
Y7.75 Y15.5
(a) Displacement
X0 X7.75 in X15.5
x direction (b) Displacement
Y0 Y7.75 inY15.5
y direction
(a) Displacement in x direction (b) Displacement in y direction
Figure 6. Displacements of selected different distance piles assuming a fixed connection between the
piles and
Figure the reinforced concrete
6. Displacements plate
of selected of the distance
different platform.piles assuming a fixed connection between the
6. Displacements
Figure piles ofconcrete
and the reinforced selected different
plate distance piles assuming a fixed connection between
of the platform.
the pilesFigure
and the reinforced
7a,b show the concrete plate for
normal forces of the
theplatform.
selected piles (at different distances) considering a
fixedFigure
and hinged connection
7a,b show with the
the normal platform,
forces for therespectively.
selected piles For(atthe case of the
different pile group
distances) connected
considering a
to theand
fixed platform,
hingedthe normal forces
connection in the
with the pile at the
platform, edge of theFor
respectively. platform
the case(P1) arepile
of the generally
group lower
connectedthan
Figure 7a,b show the normal forces for the selected piles (at different distances) considering a fixed
thethe
to corresponding
platform, the valuesnormalfor the piles
forces in theP2 and
pile at P3.
the The
edgevalue
of theofplatform
the normal (P1)forces remained
are generally constant
lower than
and hinged
the allconnection
for corresponding
piles up to valueswith
the riverthe platform,
bed
for the levelP2
piles respectively.
(atand−12P3.mThedepth),
valueFor of the
then case of
sharply
the normal the pile
decreased
forces group
with
remained the connected to
depth,
constant
the platform,
especially
for thefor
all piles normal
uppiles
to the forces
P2 and in
river P3,the
bed as pile(atat−12
shown
level theFigure
in medge of the
7a,b
depth), forplatform
then both fixed
sharply (P1)
andare
decreased generally
hinged
with connection
the depth, lower than
the corresponding
conditions,for
especially values
respectively.
piles P2 forand
the piles
For P3,
all asP2
piles, andhinged
the
shown P3. The value
connection
in Figure ofcondition
7a,b for the
both normal forces
resulted
fixed and in remained
higher
hinged values
connectionconstant
for for
the normal
conditions, forces than
respectively. the
Forfixed
all condition.
piles, the hinged connection condition
all piles up to the river bed level (at −12 m depth), then sharply decreased with the depth, especially for resulted in higher values for
Figureforces
piles P2theand P3, as8 shown
normal shows thanthethe
in bending moments in both x and y directions along the selected piles P1, P2,
fixed condition.
Figure 7a,b for both fixed and hinged connection conditions, respectively.
and P3 assuming
Figure 8 shows fixed
theand hinged
bending connections
moments of piles
in both x andtoythe platform.
directions alongThe the
bending moments
selected piles P1,in P2,
the
For all piles,
and
the
x direction
hinged
P3 assumingalongfixed
connection
piles and
P1, hinged
condition
P2, andconnections
resulted
P3 for the fixedof piles
in higher
connection case are
to the platform.
values
The
for the
depicted
bending
normalinforces
inmoments
Figure 8a. The
the
than
the fixed condition.
xdirection
direction ofalong
bending
pilesmoment
P1, P2, and changed
P3 foratthe thefixed
bed connection
level for the caseinner piles P2 in
are depicted and P3 with
Figure 8a. Thethe
Figure
maximum8 shows
direction ofvaluethe
bending bending
at the pile top.
moment moments
For the edge
changed atintheboth
pile
bed x level
P1, and
therey directions
were
for thetwo inner along
inflection
piles P2 the selected
points,
and onewith
P3 piles
of themthe P1, P2,
close
and P3 maximum
assumingto thevalue
surface
fixed andpile
at and
the thetop.
hingedsecond
For oneedge
the below
connections the
pile bed
ofP1, level.
there
piles towereThetwo
the maximum
inflection
platform. value occurred
points,
The one of in
bending themthe
moments in
upper
close topart
the at a depth
surface of
and about
the −8
secondm. For
one the hinged
below the connection
bed level. case,
The
the x direction along piles P1, P2, and P3 for the fixed connection case are depicted in Figure 8a. there
maximum was no moment
value at
occurred the
in pile
the
top as part
upper expected. The maximum
at a depth of about −8moment
m. For the occurred
hingedbelow the bed
connection level
case, thereforwas
pilesno
P2moment
and P3,at asthe
shownpile
The direction of bending moment changed at the bed level for the inner piles P2 and P3 with
in Figure
top 8b. However,
as expected. The maximum the moment
moment distribution
occurred below along thethe bed
edge pilefor
level P1piles
showed
P2 andan P3,
intermediate
as shown
the maximum
in Figurevalue
inflection point
8b. atatthe
the pile
However, bed top.
thelevel For the
and
moment the edge pile
maximum
distribution P1, there
value
along wasedge
the atwere
a piletwo
depth inflection
P1ofshowed an points,
−6 m, approximately oneinof them
intermediate
close toinflection
the surface point at the bed level and the maximum value was at a depth of −6 m, approximately the
and the second one below the bed level. The maximum value occurred in in upper
part at a depth of about −8 m. For the hinged connection case, there was no moment at the pile top
as expected. The maximum moment occurred below the bed level for piles P2 and P3, as shown
in Figure 8b. However, the moment distribution along the edge pile P1 showed an intermediate
inflection point at the bed level and the maximum value was at a depth of −6 m, approximately in
the upper part. Comparing the maximum values of both connection cases revealed that the fixed
Computation 2018, 6, 8 11 of 16

connectionComputation
condition 2018, resulted
6, x FOR PEERin higher bending moment for inner piles P2 and P3,11while
REVIEW of 16 the edge
Computation 2018, 6, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 16
pile P1 suffered almost the same maximum bending moment in both cases. The bending moments in
the upper part. Comparing the maximum values of both connection cases revealed that the fixed
the y direction
the for part.
upper
connection piles withresulted
Comparing
condition a fixed connection
theinmaximum are
values
higher bending ofgiven
bothfor
moment ininner
Figure
connection 8c.
cases
piles The P3,same
revealed
P2 and thatdistribution
while theedge
the fixed trend
along the pile length
connection
pile P1 as almost
suffered x direction
condition resulted
the same moments
in couldmoment
higher bending
maximum bending be observed
moment bothhere
forininner piles with
cases. P2
The andopposite
P3, while
bending sign
the edge
moments conventions.
in
However, pilethe P1
the suffered for
ymoments
direction almostthethe
atpiles same
with
pile atop maximum
fixed bending
connection
possessed are moment
given
a larger in in both
Figure
value cases.
8c.
for The The
pilessameP2bending moments
distribution
and P3. caninbe realized
Ittrend
the y direction
along for piles
the pile length as xwith a fixed
direction connection
moments couldare
begiven in Figure
observed 8c. The
here with same sign
opposite distribution trend
conventions.
that the moment
along
However,
in the
thelength
the pile
y direction
moments
is about
as xatdirection moments
the pile top
50%could
higher
possessed
than
be observed
a larger
thehere
value for
moment
with
piles
in the x-direction
P2opposite
and P3. Itsign
canconventions.
be realized
for the same
piles. On the other
However, side,
that the moment the
the moments case
in the at of
y the the
direction hinged
is about
pile top connection
50% ahigher
possessed resulted
largerthan
valuethe in
formomenty-direction
piles P2inandtheP3. moment
x-direction
It can be for with
the
realized a similar
same
that thepiles. On
moment theinother
the yside, the
direction case
is of the
about hinged
50% connection
higher than resulted
trend and almost the same values for the observed bending moments in the x direction, as can be
the moment in y-direction
in the moment
x-direction with
for the
a similar
same
observed form thetrend
piles. On theandother
comparison almost thethe
side,
betweensame
casevalues
of thefor
Figures the observed
hinged 8b.bending
connection
8d and moments
resulted in the x moment
in y-direction direction,with
as
acan be observed
similar form
trend and the comparison
almost between
the same values for Figure 8d and bending
the observed Figure 8b.
moments in the x direction, as
can be observed form the comparison between Figure 8d and Figure 8b.
0 0
-2 -2
0-4 -40
-2-6 -2
-6
-4-8 -4
-8
-6
-10 -6
-10
Depth (m)

Depth (m)
-8
-12 -8
-12
-10
-14 -10
-14
Depth (m)

Depth (m)
-12
-16 -12
-16
-14
-18 -14
-18
-16
-20 -16
-20
-18
-22 -18
-22
-20
-24 -20
-24
-26
-22 -26
-22
50 100 150 200 250 300 50 100 150 200 250 300
-24 -24
Normal Force (KN) Normal Force (KN)
-26 -26
50 100 Nf0 150 Nf7.75 Nf15.5
200 250 300 50 100 Nh0 Nh7.75
150 Nh15.5
200 250 300
Normal Force (KN) Normal Force (KN)
(a) Fixed connection of piles with the platform (b) Hinged connection of piles with the platform
Nf0 Nf7.75 Nf15.5 Nh0 Nh7.75 Nh15.5

(a)Figure 7. Normal of
Fixed connection forces
pilesacting onplatform
with the the selected piles
(b)P1, P2, and
Hinged P3 withofapiles
connection fixed andthe
with hinged
platform
Figure 7. Normal forces
pile-platform acting on the selected piles P1, P2, and P3 with a fixed and hinged pile-
connection.
Figure 7. Normal forces acting on the selected piles P1, P2, and P3 with a fixed and hinged
platform connection.
pile-platform connection. 0 0

0-5 -50

-10
-5 -5
-10
Depth (m)
Depth(m)

-15
-10 -15
-10
Depth (m)
Depth(m)

-20
-15 -20
-15

-25
-20 -25
-20
-300 -200 -100 0 100 200 -200 -150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150 200
Moment (KN.m) Moment (KN.m)
-25 Mx P1 Mx P2 Mx P3 -25 Mx P1 Mx P2 Mx P3
-300 -200 -100 0 100 200 -200 -150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150 200
(a) Mx fixed
Momentconnection
(KN.m) (b) Mx hinged connection
Moment (KN.m)
0 Mx P1 Mx P2 Mx P3 0 Mx P1 Mx P2 Mx P3

(a) Mx fixed connection (b) Mx hinged connection

0-5 -5
0

-10 -10
Depth (m) Depth (m)
Depth(m)

-5 -5

-15 -15
-10 -10
Depth(m)

-20 -20
-15 -15

-25 -25
-20 -200 -100 0 100 200 300 400 -20-220 -180 -140 -100 -60 -20 20 60 100 140 180 220
Moment (KN.m) Moment (KN.m)

My P1 My P2 My P3 -25 My P1 My P2 My P3
-25
-200 -100 0 100 200 300 400 -220 -180 -140 -100 -60 -20 20 60 100 140 180 220
(c) My fixed connection
Moment (KN.m)
(d) My hinged connection
Moment (KN.m)

My P1 My P2 My P3 My P1 My P2 My P3
Figure 8. Bending moments along the selected piles P1, P2, and P3 assuming fixed and hinged
(c)connections.
pile-platform My fixed connection (d) My hinged connection

Figure 8. Bending moments along the selected piles P1, P2, and P3 assuming fixed and hinged
Bending moments
Figure 8. pile-platform connections.along the selected piles P1, P2, and P3 assuming fixed and hinged
pile-platform connections.

Figure 9 shows shear forces acting on the selected three piles P1, P2, and P3 calculated from the top
level to the bearing level of piles in both x and y directions assuming fixed and hinged connection
conditions. Shear forces in the x direction acting on the inner piles P2 and P3 were approximately
equal in values and have the same distribution trend along the pile length in both directions for both
 Computation 2018, 6, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 16

Figure 9 shows shear forces acting on the selected three piles P1, P2, and P3 calculated from the
Computation 2018, 6, 8 12 of 16
top level to the bearing level of piles in both x and y directions assuming fixed and hinged
connection conditions. Shear forces in the x direction acting on the inner piles P2 and P3 were
approximately
cases of fixed and equal in values
hinged and haveasthe
connections, samein
shown distribution
Figure 9a,b. trend
Thealong
shearthe pile showed
forces length inalmost
both
directions for both cases of fixed and hinged connections, as shown in Figure 9a,b.
constant positive values from the top level up to the bed level, then started to decrease in value The shear forces
toshowed
be zeroalmost constant to
and continued positive
possessvalues fromvalues
negative the topandlevel
againupreached
to the bed level,
a zero valuethen started
at the pile to
tip.
decrease in value to be zero and continued to possess negative values and again reached
This behavior is owed to the interaction with the surrounding soil that was presented by soil springs. a zero value
at the pile tip. This behavior is owed to the interaction with the surrounding soil that was presented
The shear forces that resulted in the case of a fixed condition showed higher values than the case of
by soil springs. The shear forces that resulted in the case of a fixed condition showed higher values
a hinged condition in the upper part of the pile length, meanwhile, the shear forces possessed higher
than the case of a hinged condition in the upper part of the pile length, meanwhile, the shear forces
values in the lower 10 m in the case of hinged condition. On the other hand, the shear forces in the x
possessed higher values in the lower 10 m in the case of hinged condition. On the other hand, the
direction acting on the outer edge pile P1 showed a different distribution trend along the pile length,
shear forces in the x direction acting on the outer edge pile P1 showed a different distribution trend
where the values altered between negative values at the upper third, positive values in the middle
along the pile length, where the values altered between negative values at the upper third, positive
third, and negative values in the lower third. The resulting value at the top was larger in the case of
values in the middle third, and negative values in the lower third. The resulting value at the top was
the fixed condition, while the case of the hinged condition resulted in a higher shear force in the middle
larger in the case of the fixed condition, while the case of the hinged condition resulted in a higher
third of the pile. The resulting shear forces in the y direction are depicted in Figure 9c,d, for the fixed
shear force in the middle third of the pile. The resulting shear forces in the y direction are depicted in
and hinged
Figure 9c,d,conditions,
for the fixed respectively.
and hinged A similar trend
conditions, to the shear
respectively. forcestrend
A similar in thetoxthe
direction was also
shear forces in
observed in the was
the x direction distribution and values
also observed of the shearand
in the distribution forces in the
values y direction;
of the shear forceshowever,
in the y the hinged
direction;
condition
however,resulted in almost
the hinged an identical
condition resultedresponse
in almosttoan
theidentical
fixed condition
response case. This
to the behavior
fixed is expected
condition case.
asThis
the behavior
displacement distributions
is expected in the y direction
as the displacement were identical
distributions in the in both cases,
y direction were as previously
identical inshown
both
incases,
Figures 5b and 6b.
as previously shown in Figures 5b and 6b.

0 0

-5 -5

-10
Depth (m)

-10
Depth(m)

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25
-80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60
Shear Force(KN) Shear Force (KN)

Qx0 Qx7.75 Qx15.5 Qx0 Qx7.75 Qx15.5

(a) Qx fixed connection (b) Qx hinged connection

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10
Depth (m)

Depth(m)

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25
-80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40
Shear Force(KN) Shear Force (KN)
Qy0 Qy7.75 Qy15.5
Qy0 Qy7.75 Qy15.5
(c) Qy fixed connection (d) Qy hinged connection

Figure 9. Shear forces acting on the selected piles P1, P2, and P3 assuming fixed and hinged
Figure 9. Shear forces acting on the selected piles P1, P2, and P3 assuming fixed and hinged pile-
pile-platform connections.
platform connections.

Figure 10 represents the stress contours in the reinforced concrete plate in the x and y directions
for both fixed and hinged connection cases. The resulting stresses in both directions were much higher
in the case of fixed conditions. The ratio of the stress values resulted from the fixed case to the similar
 Computation 2018, 6, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 16

Figure 10 represents the stress contours in the reinforced concrete plate in the x and y directions
Computation 2018, 6, 8 13 of 16
for both fixed and hinged connection cases. The resulting stresses in both directions were much
higher in the case of fixed conditions. The ratio of the stress values resulted from the fixed case to the
similar
stress stress
values invalues in thecase
the hinged hinged case2reached
reached in some2places.
in some places.
The stressThe stress
values values exceeded
exceeded 43 MPa,
43 MPa, which is
which
much is much
higher thanhigher than thestress
the allowable allowable
of thestress of theconcrete
reinforced reinforced
plateconcrete
that hasplate that hascompressive
an ultimate an ultimate
compressive
strength of 40 strength
MPa. of 40 MPa.

(a) S11: X-direction (fixed) (b) S22: Y-direction (fixed)

(c) S11: X-direction (hinged) (d) S22: Y-direction (hinged)

Figure 10. Stress contours in the RC plate assuming a fixed and hinged connection with piles.
Figure 10. Stress contours in the RC plate assuming a fixed and hinged connection with piles.
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
A structural analysis was performed for an existing pile-supported riverine platform in order to
study Αitsstructural
structuralanalysis
response was performed
under for an existing
environmental pile-supported
and static riverinesoil-pile
loads incorporating platforminteraction.
in order to
study
The its structural
environmental response
loads acting onunder environmental
the platform were wind, andwater
static loadsand
waves, incorporating
water currentsoil-pile
loads.
interaction. The environmental loads acting on the platform were wind, water
The pile response in terms of displacements, normal forces, bending moments, and shear forces were waves, and water
current loads.
obtained assumingThea pile
fixedresponse
or hingedinconnection
terms of displacements,
between the pile normal
and the forces, bending
reinforced moments,
concrete and
platform.
shear forces were obtained assuming a fixed or hinged connection between the
The behavior of a structure is changed with the soil flexibility and pile-soil-structure interaction was pile and the
reinforced in
considered concrete platform.
the analysis The prediction
for a real behavior of of athestructure is changed
overall structure with the soil flexibility and
response.
pile-soil-structure
The analysis showedinteraction was
that the considered
distribution in the
of piles analysis
in the for astrongly
pile group real prediction
affects theofdistribution
the overall
structure response.
and values of the straining actions on piles. The position of each pile with respect to the platform edge
showedThe analysis showed
a considerable effect.that the distribution of piles in the pile group strongly affects the
distribution and values
The resulting of the straining
top displacements actions
of the onthe
piles in piles.
longThe position
direction of of
theeach pile with
platform respect
assuming to the
a fixed
platform edge showed a considerable effect.
connection were greatly reduced compared with a hinged connection, while the connection condition
did not affect the displacements in the short direction of the platform. Therefore, it can be stated
that the fixed connection between the piles and the reinforced concrete plate increased the overall
Computation 2018, 6, 8 14 of 16

stiffness and rigidity of the platform structure in the long direction without a remarkable effect in
the short direction.
The normal forces acting on piles at the edge of the platform were generally lower than
the corresponding values for the inner piles. For all piles, the hinged connection condition resulted in
higher values for the normal forces than the fixed condition.
The resulting bending moments were highly dependent in values and distribution on the pile
position and the connection condition (fixed or hinged) with the platform.
For the inner piles, the shear forces in the long direction of the platform showed almost constant
positive values from the top level down to the bed level, then started to decrease in value to become
zero and afterwards to possess negative values and again to reach a zero value at the pile tip due to
the interaction with the surrounding soil. The shear forces in the case of a fixed condition showed
higher values than the case of a hinged condition in the upper part of the pile length, meanwhile,
the shear forces possessed higher values in the lower 10 m in the case of hinged condition. On the other
hand, the shear forces in the x direction acting on the outer edge pile showed a different distribution
trend along the pile length, where the values altered between negative values at the upper third,
positive values in the middle third, and negative values in the lower third.
The resulting bending stresses in both the x and y direction were almost doubled in the case of
fixed conditions. The resulting stress values exceeded the allowable stress of the reinforced concrete
plate. Thus, the environmental and static loads acting on the platform may cause collapse if they are
not properly considered in the structural analysis and design.

Author Contributions: D.-P.N.K. and A.A.F. both contributed to the organizing of the research and the writing of
this paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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