The behavior of experimental pile groups is simulated by 3-D finite element modeling in this paper. The modeled results are compared to small-scale tests in a row of three closely spaced piles in the London clay. The tests aimed at investigating soil-pile-cap interaction and pile-group effect. It is shown that 3-D FE modeling can be regarded as an appropriate tool to predict settlements and load-transfer mechanisms in pile groups under working conditions, with a satisfactory match between simulated and measured results.

Keywords: Pile group effect, 3-D modeling, Load transfer, Settlement prediction,

Submitted on June 09, 2014.
Final Acceptance on April 21, 2015.
Discussion open until December 31, 2015.
DOI: 10.28927/SR.381067