A proposal for normalized impedance functions of inclined piles in non-homogeneous media

Abstract

This work presents impedance functions for inclined pile groups embedded in different half spaces whose stiffness continuously increases with depth. The results are obtained through a three-dimensional harmonic model where the soil response is modelled through the reciprocity theorem in elastodynamics and the use of Green's functions for the layered half space, while the piles are represented by finite elements as Timoshenko's beams. Linear behaviour of soil and piles is assumed. The use of several normalization schemes for the representation of the impedance functions is discussed, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each choice and their effects on the interpretation of the obtained results.