Work

Evaluation of the impact of soil–cement retrofitting on the failure behaviour of wharf piles in liquefiable soils

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Liquefaction-induced lateral spreading significantly contributes to pile bending failure in pile-supported wharves. However, the combined effects of axial and lateral loads under such conditions have been insufficiently investigated, and the efficacy of existing reinforcement measures in mitigating such failures has been inadequately evaluated. In this work, the combined effects of lateral (inertial and kinematic) and axial loads on pile response and bending failure were investigated using centrifuge tests and numerical simulations. Various soil–cement retrofitting schemes were analysed to mitigate unfavourable wharf responses, and their contributions to bending failure were explored. A predictive method was developed to assess critical bending failure under retrofitted conditions. The findings indicate that the interaction between increased lateral and axial loads reduces the bending capacity of piles, heightening their vulnerability to bending failure. Notably, retrofitting the interpile soil effectively diminishes profile responses and enhances resistance to bending failure.

Source: Applied Ocean Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2025.104882

Authors: Zheng Zhang, Shengyi Cong, Liang Tang, Xianzhang Ling, Yun Shi

Institution: Harbin Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,950