Structural Action of Pile Cluster Dolphins

Dolphins were investigated for the three cases in which (1) piles are rigidly fastened at their heads; (2) shear flexibility is permitted between piles; and (3) plastic yield is permitted in the soil. It is shown that shear flexibility increased the efficiency of the structure, and yielding increased strength and energy absorption. A formula is obtained that gives the elastic energy absorption capacities of dolphins of standard geometry.