Mathematical Modelling of the Load Bearing Characteristics of a Dynamically Driven Pile

The purpose of the present paper is to describe a numerical method for the prediction of the load/displacement characteristics of a partially or fully embedded dynamically driven pile. The system is modelled mathematically so that the soil displays idealised hysterisis in its behaviour while the pile is assumed to be made of relatively rigid elastic segments. Generalised dynamic relationships are applied to the system and a microcomputer is used to provide a numerical solution. Despite the apparently involved representation of the problem the program was kept in its simplest form. A number of examples were examined using the formulation, the results for which are commented upon in the text.