Comparing numerical modelling finite element results with full scale instrumented pile response in weakly to moderately cemented soil

Design of drilled and grouted piles in cemented soils remains one of the challenging geotechnical problems mainly due to the variable degree of cementation in the carbonate soil and poses uncertainties to the design of foundations for offshore wind farms structures. Carbonate soils encountered in offshore Australia have embedded layers of loose and compressible cemented soft rocks to well-cemented calcarenites. The purpose of this paper is to undertake finite element analyses using PLAXIS software to quantify pile-soil interaction and predict pile response and load distribution along the pile length under various loading conditions. The results from full scale instrumented piles in weak to moderately cemented soils are presented to draw the comparison between experimental and numerical results. The results from in situ (cone penetration test, CPT) and advanced laboratory testing (constant normal stiffness, CNS) on variable cemented soils that replicate the loading imposed by waves on offshore wind farm structure are used to demonstrate strength degradation in carbonate materials during cyclic loading.