Parametric Study of Helical Piles Subjected to Compression and Tension Loading Through Finite Element Analysis: A Case Study

Abstract

This study performed a parametric analysis on helical piles through finite element models. To carry out this study, the modeling of two case studies was carried out in the PLAXIS 2D software; the results of the models were compared with the results of experimental investigations of helical piles subjected to compression and tension. The calibrated models were used to carry out the parametric study in which the spacing between plates, the number of helical plates, and the diameter of the plates were modified. The results suggest that a spacing ratio s/D < 3 is not convenient since it generates a cylindrical shear failure, decreasing the capacity of the pile; furthermore, utilizing more than three plates in helical piles does not result in a substantial increase in pile capacity, while increasing the diameter of the helical plates provides a larger supporting surface, directly enhancing the pile's capacity.