Proceedings of The Fourteenth (2004) International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference
Toulon, France, May 23−28, 2004
Copyright © 2004 by The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers
ISBN 1-880653-62-1 (Set); ISSN 1098-6189 (Set)
Finite Element Analysis of Concrete Plugs Embedded in Tubular Steel Piles
Abolghasem Nezamian, Riadh Al-Mahaidi and Paul Grundy
Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University
Melbourne, Australia
ABSTRACT
This study presents an evaluation of the nonlinear response of concrete
plugs embedded in the steel tubular piles subjected to an axial pull-out
force. An axisymmetric finite element model was developed for this
purpose. Evidence of non-linearity and deviation from the classical
linear elastic theory led to a more complex numerical solution to
simulate the experimental behavior. The software DIANA was used
for the nonlinear finite element analysis. The elasto-plastic model of the
concrete plug was based on Drucker-Prager yield criterion. The finite
element model was then calibrated against the experimental results.
Satisfactory agreement was achieved between the recorded (test results)
and computed (numerical analysis) load-slip responses, ultimate pull-
out strength and longitudinal and hoop strain distributions along the
steel tube.
KEY WORDS: Tubular steel piles, reinforced concrete plugs, non-
linear finite element analysis, offshore structures, bond strength and
slip
INTRODUCTION
Many offshore platforms, coastal structures and bridges are founded on
tubular steel piles through reinforced concrete pile caps. Wave, wind
and earthquake loads tend to induce compressive and uplift forces in
the legs that in turn subject the piles to compression and tension. Bond
between concrete core and the steel pile is an important factor in the
load transfer from superstructure to foundations.
The bond strength is a function of both chemical adhesion of the steel-
concrete interface and mechanical interlock between the concrete core
and the steel surface. To overcome mechanical interlock a small
dilation of the tube occurs as it rides over the asperities of the interface,
generating radial contact pressure, which enhances frictional resistance.
In push-out, dilation of the concrete plug at the top of the connection
due to the Poisson’s effect, where the compression in the concrete is
high, and in the steel small enhances radial pressure and therefore
frictional resistance. At the base, contact pressure between concrete
and the steel is reduced, due to the Poisson’s effect, and effective bond
is therefore reduced at this location.
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In the pull out case, the reverse is expected to occur. That is, near the
base of the concrete plug, the steel tube contraction is much higher than
that of the concrete core, causing it to grip the concrete plug. Near the
top part of the plug, the tension force is transferred to the concrete
through the reinforcing bars embedded in the concrete core and in the
pile cap. The tensile stresses that develop in the concrete core result in
contraction of the concrete, while the steel tube contraction is relatively
small. This should result in separation to occur between the steel tube
and the concrete. Considering the fact that deformed bar are used as
reinforcement, the ribs on the bars tend to impart wedge pressure on the
outer concrete layer, causing dilation of this layer. This dilation
enhances the frictional stresses between the steel tube and the concrete
along of length equal to embedment of the longitudinal reinforcement
from the top of the specimen.
While there have been many experimental studies of bond strength
between the concrete core and steel tube, There have been a few
published numerical work modeling the load transfer between the
concrete plug into the steel tubular pile. The purpose of this research
was to study the nonlinear response of the reinforced concrete filled
steel tubes subjected to axial pull-out force through a detailed finite
element model.
RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE
This study is intended to provide tools to predict the structural
characteristics of the load transfer between the concrete plug and the
steel tube, such as strength, stiffness, ductility and shear transfer. This
will lead to efficient use of the concrete partially filled steel tube in
structural systems. In view of the advantages and opportunities for
innovation that this kind of connection provide for load transfer
between concrete caps to the piles, the detailed description of nonlinear
response of concrete plugs embedded in the steel tubes under the axial
pull-out certainly advances the state-of-the-art in design.
FINITE ELEMENT MODELING
An axisymmetric model was developed by revolving a plane figure
about the centerline of the concrete plug. In this case geometry,
material properties, loads and supports are axisymmetric. Thus the