Important Guidelines On The Finite Element Modelling Of Micropiles

Abstract

This paper highlights essential considerations for FE modeling of pressure-grouted micropiles. To accurately simulate micropile behaviour, it is crucial to consider both its composition and construction method. The use of pressurized grout for micropile construction has a considerable effect on the behaviour of the pile and the surrounding soil. In addition, micropiles generally acquire a high elastic modulus, owing to the high percentage of steel reinforcement adopted. Not considering this installation procedure and/or the high elastic modulus would lead to underestimated predictions of the micropile load capacity. A brief introduction is also given to the Increased Ks Method, which was extensively used in the literature for FE simulation of the effects of the micropile installation process.