Prediction of pile group response using a simplified non-linear finite element model

This paper presents predictions from a finite element 2-D axisymmetric modelling approximation for a small pile group employing the BRICK constitutive (non-linear) soil model, and examines the suitability of this model to the prediction of the response of a pile group at a soft clay site near Belfast, Northern Ireland. The study indicates that, despite some limitations, this approach captures both the non-linearity of the load-displacement behaviour and the relative stiffnesses of group piles much better than commonly used linear elastic predictions.