Analysis of an energy pile enduring cyclic temperature loads

Abstract

Based on the conclusion that the effect of normal pressure on temperature distribution and the effect of temperature on soil-concrete interface friction are negligible, the finite-element model was established to analyse the characteristics of a pile enduring cyclic temperatures, adopting the sequential thermal coupling method. The temperature-induced additional displacements and axial forces along the pile depth were analysed, and the influences of temperature on the additional axial force distribution of the energy pile were analysed with different pile head loads. The analysis results showed that cyclic heating and natural cooling will lead to additional axial pile forces and displacements along the pile depth. It was concluded that loads applied at the energy pile top should not be heavier than the value at which plastic deformation at the pile end soil would be initiated and at which non-linear pile top settlement occurred.