An equivalent linear finite element approach for the estimation of pile foundation stiffnesses

A method is presented for the calculation of the displacement-dependent lateral, vertical and rotational stiffnesses of the central pier of the Meloland Road Overcrossing. This method is based on a finite element model of the foundation and an «equivalent linear» iterative procedure for the calculation of the stiffness versus displacement curves. The results of this procedure are then compared to the results of system identification studies based on the full-scale test measurements of the structure and to the results of studies performed by other researchers. It was found that this method produced reliable strain-dependent stiffness values.