Simplified numerical modelling of pile penetration – the press-replace technique

Summary This paper presents a simplified finite element analysis technique, the ‘Press-Replace’ technique, to model pile penetration problems in geotechnical engineering, particularly, pile jacking. The method is employed in standard finite element analysis software. The method involves a straining and a consequent geometry update phase. First, a cone penetration test in (undrained) clay is modelled and compared with the results of analytical, semi-analytical and more advanced finite element techniques. The model sensitivity for the step size and mesh is investigated using a hypoplastic constitutive model. An optimum way of modelling based on the numerical performance is shown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.