Important aspects in experimental versus numerical comparative analysis in pile caps

Abstract

Research with emphasis on comparative analysis between experimental models versus numerical models in pile caps tend to present discrepancies in stiffness between models. The present paper numerically analyzes pile caps on two piles, emphasizing parameters that have direct influence on the responses of the simulated models, especially in terms of stiffness. Among the parameters evaluated in this paper, we note the following: boundary conditions applied to the base of the piles; the use of interface elements in the simulation of contact between materials; and the influence of pile cap width. The analyzed results are related to failure load, displacements, load versus displacement curves, stress flows, and cracking panoramas. The findings demonstrate that the parameters analyzed here have direct influence on the results of the numerical models when compared with the experimental results.