Finite element analysis of reinforced concrete pile caps to cast-in-shell steel piles

The common usage of cast-in-shell steel piles for foundation systems puts a priority on understanding their response to lateral loading. The construction of concrete caps to steel pile connections has proven to be both economical and efficient. These connections must maintain a certain amount of rigidity and ductility under lateral loading in order for the supported structure to remain stable.;To aid in the understanding how applied lateral forces move through concrete cap to steel pile connections, a nonlinear inelastic finite element model was built. The finite element modeling package ANSYS was used to develop the finite element model. In order to determine the accuracy of the final model and draw conclusions about the behavior of the connection, the results were compared to experimental data.;Several preliminary models were built leading up to a final model in an effort to reasonably duplicate experimental results. The final model was able to accurately capture the elastic results from experimental testing, and the inelastic results gave a fair semblance to experimental data.;The final model presented in this research contributes to the understanding of finite element software capabilities for modeling concrete failure mechanisms. The model also provides a foundation for future model refinement concerning the inelastic response of the connection to lateral loading, and further advancement of this model will aid in the development of design procedures for the connection between steel piles to reinforced concrete caps.