Three-dimensional numerical simulation and earth pressure analysis on double-row piles with consideration of spatial effects

As a new kind of technology in retaining structures, the characteristics of double-row piles are significantly affected by spatial effects. In this paper, double-row piles as a retaining structure are simulated numerically in three-dimension by finite element software PLAXIS 3D FOUNDATION. The behavior differences of piles in different positions around the foundation pit are analyzed. By changing the parameters, including the length-width ratio, the excavation depth, the distance between rows and the diameter of piles, the variations of the lateral deformation, the bending moment and the earth pressure around the piles are determined. The reasonable values of parameters and some suggestions with consideration of earth pressure are proposed for the design of double-row piles as a retaining structure. The results show that the lateral deformation and bending moment are the largest in the middle of long side of the foundation pit, which is identified as the most unfavorable position. It is indicated that the earth pressure between rows above pit bottom is close to active earth pressure, while the earth pressure between rows under pit bottom is close to static earth pressure. It is suggested that 1/2-2/3 of pile length, 0.6-1.2 m, 3d-6d, and 2d-2.5d be chosen as embedded depth of piles, diameter of piles, distance between rows, and distance between piles, respectively, where d is the pile diameter.