Numerical finite element analysis of laterally loaded fin pile in sandy soil

In the present study, the behavior of fin pile under lateral loading was investigated by ABAQUS software. First, the generated model was verified against an available experimental small-scale test in the literature. Having conducted verification, a study was carried out on the fin pile dimensions under lateral loading. Different parameters, such as pile diameter, fin’s length, and width, were studied. Moreover, a study on the fin’s aspect ratio by setting fin’s area constant was conducted, and then, optimum fin’s ratio was obtained. The results indicated that both fin’s length and width could improve pile efficiency under lateral loading, yet fin’s length had a more critical impact, and provided high lateral resistance and less usage of material. The analysis on the optimum fin’s dimension indicated that fin pile with 40 mm diameter provided 29% more lateral load capacity than regular pile with 40 mm diameter. Although the optimum fin pile with 40 mm diameter provided lateral load capacity equal to the regular pile with 50 mm diameter, the fin pile decreased material usage around 16%. Likewise, optimum fin pile with 50 mm diameter provided 27.6% more lateral load capacity than regular pile with 50 mm diameter. Even though fin pile with 50 mm diameter provided lateral load capacity equal to the regular pile with 60 mm diameter, the fin pile decreased material usage around 10.8%. The analysis on the fin piles showed that fin piles with 40 mm and 50 mm diameter provided 29% and 27.6%, respectively, more lateral load capacity than regular ones. Although the optimum fin pile with 40 mm diameter provided lateral load capacity equal to the regular pile with 50 mm diameter, the fin pile decreased material usage around 16%. Likewise, fin pile with 50 mm diameter provided lateral load capacity equal to the regular pile with 60 mm diameter; the fin pile decreased material usage around 10.8%. Finally, based on the study on different fin’s dimensions an empirical equation according to the statistical method was suggested that could be used as a practical tool.