Example 9: Residual Stress Analysis (RSA) Page 1 of 3

GRLWEAP Standard Examples

Example 9: Residual Stress Analysis (RSA)

The echo print of the input data and the numerical output from the Wave Equation
Analysis is contained in the Example 9 Output file both for English and SI Units. Although
it was attempted to limit differences between this example and the corresponding one of
earlier GRLWEAP versions, minor output differences may be noted. Please also note that
descriptions of basic input features of GRLWEAP have been included in earlier examples
and may not be repeated here.

9.1 Background

RSA considers the stresses locked in pile and soil during pile driving. Stresses
usually keep the pile in a compressed state between hammer blows because
the soil prevents the pile from completely rebounding. In order to determine
the residual stresses, GRLWEAP performs several analyses, each one
including the residual stresses of the previous analysis as a starting value
(Initial value) of the next analysis. Thus, RSA really calculates the response of
a pile subjected to several sequential hammer blows with always the same
static and dynamic resistance parameters.

The concept of RSA is much more reasonable than the traditional Smith
analysis articularly for long or flexible piles. Unfortunately, thorough
correlation has not been performed to date and since it is a non-conservative
analysis for capacity or blow count prediction (it is conservative for stress
calculations) it should be used with caution.

9.2 Input

In order to demonstrate how RSA works and what results it generates,

Problem 2 was reanalyzed using the residual stress option which is set by
clicking Options/General Options/Numeric
and then entering a "1" in the Residual Stress Analysis. As recommended
by GRLWEAP, damping was also set to Smith viscous by
clickingOptions/General Options/Damping.

9.3 Analysis

More iterations are required for an RSA than for a standard analysis since for
each ultimate capacity several analyses have to be performed with a static
analysis occurring between hammer blows. In fact, the analyses will be
repeated until the displacement pattern of consecutive "blows" has
converged. Should the analysis not converge, an appropriate statement will
be included in theNumeric results(the *.GWO output file). If the results do not
converge, they must be considered with suspicion.

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Example 9: Residual Stress Analysis (RSA) Page 2 of 3

9.4 Output
In order to check whether or not RSA has converged, first check the
Numeric results (clickView/Output, or , and thenNumeric results), for
any message indicating non-convergence. The convergence can be judged by
looking at the calculated sets; the last two sets should be close.

Calculated Sets(inch):
0.7988 0.5321 0.5365 0.5365

Investigate not only the Summary Table but also the Tables of Extrema
and Residual Forces for each ultimate capacity analyzed in the Numeric
results listing.

9.5 Discussion of Results

Review of the results show that the blow count at a given capacity is
substantially lower for the Residual Stress Analysis than for the standard
analysis ofExample 2. Further, the pile reaches a higher ultimate capacity
using the residual stress analysis. The reason for this better driveability is the
flexibility of the pipe which allows for large deformations and thus large
energy storage in the pile between blows. However, note the noticeably
higher compressive stresses, which would be too high if the pile were made of
mild steel.

An interesting observation may be made when inspecting the pile top forces
vs. time curves. In the normal analysis, a very rounded behavior is apparent
and, in fact, no actual impact happened since the pile, due to its elasticity,
moved away from the hammer during the compression phase. The residual
stresses, on the other hand, made the pile stiff enough for impact, which is
apparent from the slight steep force/velocity rise in the early record portion.
The improvement in the blow count therefore seems to be not only the result
of a stiffer pile but also an improved hammer behavior. However, the ram
reached the uplift condition of this closed end hammer and a fuel reduction
had to be made. This explains why the transferred energies were lower in
Example 9 than in Example 2.

9.6 Correlation
Measurements were taken when similar piles were re-driven with the LB 520
hammer. Force records showed some evidence of ram impact, while other
records were smooth. Note that a pile was load tested to 270 kips (1200 kN)
ultimate and that a blow count of 160 bl/ft (525 bl/m) resulted during
restriking. The blow count during driving was 47 bl/ft (154 bl/m). The
transferred energy during restriking varied between 7 and 12 kip-ft (9.5 and
16.3 kN/m).

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Example 9: Residual Stress Analysis (RSA) Page 3 of 3

In this case, it is clear that a residual stress analysis produces more realistic
results than the standard wave equation approach. The pile type, being
similar to the Monotube, stored substantial energies between blows because
of its flexibility.

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