Development of a Coupled Bridge Superstructure: Foundation Finite Element Code.Final Report

摘要

The University of Florida is developing a finite element code for the analysisand design of bridge piers as identified in AASHTO for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Called FLORIDA-PIER, the program models the piers, piles and shafts with linear beam elements, and the soil with axial and lateral nonlinear springs. The objective of this research was to incorporate p-y multipliers into FLORIDA-PIER to handle group effects, as well as a nonlinear pile/drilled shaft model; in addition, a preprocessor was developed to handle data input. To determine the appropriate p-y multipliers, and verify the code, extensive centrifuge testing of various group configurations (3 to 7 rows, and spacing) was performed.