Performance of Fin pile subjected to torsional loads embedded in dry sand

Abstract

Fin piles are manufactured foundations which are utilized for most kinds of constructions like radar towers, transmission towers, tall chimneys, bridge piers, offshore structures, buried pipelines under water etc. Fin piles are structural elements utilized in civil engineering implementations to provide resistance against lateral loadings. The purpose of this investigation is to highlight the technique of shaft pile with fins embedded in dry sand. In this study, torsional capacities of shaft piles with fins are experimentally examined. A total number of sixty-three model experimental tests were studied on fin piles installed in dry sand. For comparison, model experimental tests were performed on conventional piles without such fins to investigate the behavior of fin piles on the torsional capacity under diverse parameters. The influence of such fins which are constructed at the top of the shaft at diversified values of width and length was investigated. The test results elucidated that; the fin efficiency of torsional capacities of fin piles ameliorates with the increase both of fin width/pile diameter ratio, (Wf/Dp) and sand relative density. The adopted fins of the shaft play a vital function in its torsional capacity. This is attributed to the section modulus of fin pile shaft is augmented at the top of the shaft due to the presence of fins which lead to a soil–pile-fins interaction. Utilization of fins at the top of the shafts are efficacious in ameliorating the torsional capacity of fin piles. In addition, augmenting the fin width will provide an appreciably higher soil resistance and a stiffer performance due to an augmentation of the passive zone of earth pressure in front of the shaft compared with conventional piles. This guides to an amelioration in the torsional capacity for fin piles.