Computer Modelling Of A Pile Group

Conventional analysis of pile groups involves simplifications that are a response to the difficulty experienced in the past with employing advanced modelling techniques. Such simplifications include the model employed for the soil, the geometry restrictions considered in the analysis and the experience(s) of the modeller or available software. Histori- cally, methods gained acceptance for their ease of use and development of an empirical database of performance. Whilst past experience with limited modelling and computing power should no longer be considered a restriction to the use of more advanced modelling techniques, the checking of these methods against experience often remains as an im- pediment to their use. The “Catch 22” in this situation is that the very use of these “newer” methods is necessary before their use is seen to be attractive. A newer method based upon current analysis capabilities is presented as a viable ap- proach to improved pile group modelling. This paper attempts to provide an example of the use of more advanced tech- niques of pile group analysis than are commonly employed, and suggest some benefits, from a design point of view.