Numerical Investigation on the Ultimate Lateral Resistance of Steel Pipe Piles Failing Due to Axial Force Fluctuations Induced by Overturning Moments of Superstructures
Numerical Investigation on the Ultimate Lateral Resistance of Steel Pipe Piles Failing Due to Axial Force Fluctuations Induced by Overturning Moments of Superstructures
Steel is a material with high strength and ductility, making steel pipe piles suitable for use as foundations for various structures due to their superior load-bearing and deformation capacities. However, thin-walled steel pipes are susceptible to local buckling when subjected to bending under high compressive axial forces. If buckling occurs, the pile may fail before exhibiting its inherent material capacity. Local buckling is therefore known to reduce the structural performance of steel members, particularly in terms of strength and ductility. In high-rise buildings, large overturning moments during earthquakes can cause substantial variations in axial force on piles, raising concerns that local buckling may compromise the structural performance of pile foundations. This issue is especially critical in performance-based design, where piles are expected to sustain damage while still providing structural integrity. If local buckling occurs, the intended performance may not be achieved, potentially affecting building safety. This study investigates the effect of axial force variation induced by overturning moments on the ultimate lateral resistance of steel pipe piles. Centrifuge model tests are conducted to reproduce the failure process of piles under lateral loading. A FEA model simulating the experimental setup is then developed and validated. Using the model, a parametric study is performed to examine how axial force variation influences the ultimate lateral resistance. The findings contribute to better understanding and evaluation of structural performance in pile foundations subject to complex loading conditions, particularly for steel piles with high ductility.
Mutsuki Sato; Y. Kimura
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 6: Onshore and offshore foundation systems
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-206