Centrifuge Modeling of Axial Load–Displacement Behavior of Vertical GFRP and Steel Piles in Sand
Centrifuge Modeling of Axial Load–Displacement Behavior of Vertical GFRP and Steel Piles in Sand
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) piles are increasingly considered as alternatives to steel piles in corrosive environments; however, their axial load-displacement behavior remains insufficiently documented. This study presents results from a geotechnical centrifuge testing program conducted at New York University Abu Dhabi, comparing the axial response of vertical glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and steel pile models embedded in sand. Axial compression loads were applied, and pile head displacements were measured continuously. A single representative loaddisplacement comparison is presented to highlight the global response. The results show that, for the same applied load, GFRP piles exhibit reduced settlements relative to steel piles, indicating enhanced mobilization of axial resistance. The findings provide experimental insight into the axial performance of GFRP piles and support their evaluation for vertical load-bearing applications.
Mohamed Ghazy; Tarek Abdoun; Kemal Celik; W. El-Sekelly
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 6: Onshore and offshore foundation systems
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-203