FB-Pier Users Guide and Manual SV

FB-Pier
Users Guide and Manual

For the Analysis of Group Pile Foundations
Developed by the Florida Department of Transportation

and the Federal Highway Administration
Contract # DTF61-95-C-00157
February 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 - General Information

1.1 Types of problems that FB-Pier solves ............................................................................ 1-1
1.1.1 Piles and cap only .................................................................................................... 1-2
1.1.2 General bridge piers................................................................................................. 1-4
1.1.3 High mast lighting and signs .................................................................................... 1-6
1.1.4 Retaining wall on top of deep foundations ............................................................... 1-6
1.1.5 Sound walls .............................................................................................................. 1-7
1.1.6 Equivalent pile group stiffness ................................................................................. 1-8
1.1.7 Pile bents.................................................................................................................. 1-9
1.1.8 Column analysis ....................................................................................................... 1-9
1.2 Hardware requirements.................................................................................................... 1-9
1.3 FB-Pier files...................................................................................................................... 1-9
1.3.1 FB-Pier.exe............................................................................................................... 1-10
1.3.2 FBPier_eng.exe , Conspawn.exe, and pyplot.dll ..................................................... 1-10
1.3.3 FB-Pier.cnt and FB-Pier.hlp ..................................................................................... 1-10
1.3.4 Pile and pier database files (*.pld and *.smd) .......................................................... 1-10
1.3.5 Default.in files ........................................................................................................... 1-11
1.3.6 Example.in and Example.out.................................................................................... 1-11
1.3.7 Binary Files............................................................................................................... 1-12
CHAPTER 2 - Modeling Parameters and Soil-Structure Interaction

2.1 Piles, and drilled shafts models........................................................................................ 2-1
2.1.1 Driven prestressed concrete piles............................................................................ 2-1
2.1.2 Drilled shaft............................................................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Bridge piers, and pier caps .............................................................................................. 2-3
2.2.1 Bridge piers .............................................................................................................. 2-3
2.2.2 Bridge pier caps ....................................................................................................... 2-4
2.3 Mast poles, and cantilever walls ...................................................................................... 2-5
2.4 Soil-structure interaction .................................................................................................. 2-6
2.4.1 Single pile or drilled shaft soil-structure interaction.................................................. 2-6
2.4.2 Far field or group behavior of piles/shafts ................................................................ 2-7
CHAPTER 3 - Example Problems

3.1 Laterally loaded single pile............................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Bridge pier ........................................................................................................................ 3-26
3.3 Retaining wall ................................................................................................................... 3-55
3.4 High mast light/sign .......................................................................................................... 3-72
3.5 Sound wall........................................................................................................................ 3-78
3.6 Stiffness formulation......................................................................................................... 3-86
3.7 Multiple pile sets............................................................................................................... 3-91
3.8 Pile bents.......................................................................................................................... 3-101
3.9 Column analysis ............................................................................................................... 3-108
CHAPTER 4 - Soil Theory

4.1 Soil-pile interaction ........................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Lateral soil-pile interaction ............................................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 ONeills sand ........................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Sand of Reese, Cox, and Koop................................................................................ 4-4
4.2.3 ONeills clay ............................................................................................................. 4-4
4.2.4 Matlocks soft clay below the water table ................................................................. 4-6
FB-PIER USERS ii
4.2.5 Reeses stiff clay below water table ......................................................................... 4-7
4.2.6 Reese and Welchs stiff clay above water table....................................................... 4-9
4.2.7 User Defined ............................................................................................................ 4-10
4.3 Axial soil-pile interaction................................................................................................... 4-10
4.3.1 Axial T-Z Curves for Skin Friction ............................................................................ 4-10
4.3.1.1 Driven piles....................................................................................................... 4-11
4.3.1.2 Drilled and Cast Insitu Piles/Shafts .................................................................. 4-12
4.3.1.2.1 Sand ...................................................................................................... 4-12
4.3.1.2.2 Clay ....................................................................................................... 4-13
4.3.1.2.3 Intermediate Geomaterial...................................................................... 4-14
4.3.1.3 User Defined..................................................................................................... 4-15
4.3.2 Axial T-Z (Q-Z) Curves for Tip Resistance............................................................... 4-15
4.3.2.1 Driven piles....................................................................................................... 4-15
4.3.2.2 Drilled and Cast Insitu Piles/Shafts .................................................................. 4-16
4.3.2.2.1 Sand ...................................................................................................... 4-16
4.3.2.2.2 Clay ....................................................................................................... 4-18
4.3.2.2.3 Intermediate Geomaterial...................................................................... 4-20
4.3.2.3 User Defined..................................................................................................... 4-21
4.4 Torsional soil-pile interaction............................................................................................ 4-21
4.4.1 Hyperbolic curve....................................................................................................... 4-21
4.4.2 User defined ............................................................................................................. 4-22
CHAPTER 5 - Structural Analysis Theory

5.1 Nonlinear behavior ........................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 Discrete element model............................................................................................ 5-1
5.1.2 Element deformation relations ................................................................................. 5-2
5.1.3 Integration of stresses .............................................................................................. 5-4
5.1.4 Element end forces .................................................................................................. 5-7
5.1.5 Element stiffness ...................................................................................................... 5-8
5.1.6 Stress-strain curves.................................................................................................. 5-9
5.1.6.1 Concrete ........................................................................................................... 5-9
5.1.6.2 Mild steel .......................................................................................................... 5-10
5.1.6.3 High strength prestressing steels..................................................................... 5-11
5.1.6.4 Adjustment for prestress .................................................................................. 5-12
5.1.7 Nonlinear solution strategies.................................................................................... 5-12
CHAPTER 6 - Suggested Insitu Soil Parameters

6.1 Soil properties .................................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1.1 Shear modulus ......................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.2 Youngs modulus...................................................................................................... 6-2
6.1.3 Poissons ratio .......................................................................................................... 6-2
6.1.4 Angle of internal friction............................................................................................ 6-2
6.1.5 Undrained shear strength......................................................................................... 6-3
6.1.6 Subgrade modulus ................................................................................................... 6-4
6.1.7 Water table ............................................................................................................... 6-4
CHAPTER 7 - Program Usage Guide
7.1 Description of program menus ......................................................................................... 7-1
7.1.1 File menu.................................................................................................................. 7-1
7.1.2 View menu................................................................................................................ 7-1
7.1.3 Control menu ............................................................................................................ 7-2
7.1.4 Help menu ................................................................................................................ 7-2
7.2 Description of toolbar icons.............................................................................................. 7-3
7.3 Description of program modeling windows ...................................................................... 7-4
7.3.1 Model data window................................................................................................... 7-4
7.3.1.1 Problem tab ...................................................................................................... 7-4
FB-PIER USERS iii

7.3.1.2 Analysis tab ...................................................................................................... 7-5
7.3.1.3 Pile tab.............................................................................................................. 7-5
7.3.1.4 Soil tab.............................................................................................................. 7-6
7.3.1.5 Pier (Wall) tab................................................................................................... 7-6
7.3.1.6 Members tab..................................................................................................... 7-7
7.3.1.7 Load tab............................................................................................................ 7-7
7.3.1.8 Springs tab ....................................................................................................... 7-8
7.3.1.9 Retaining tab .................................................................................................... 7-8
7.3.1.10 Pushover tab .................................................................................................. 7-9
7.3.2 Soil edit window........................................................................................................ 7-9
7.3.3 Pile edit window........................................................................................................ 7-10
7.3.4 3D view window........................................................................................................ 7-10
7.4 Description of program windows ...................................................................................... 7-11
7.4.1 Pile selection window ............................................................................................... 7-11
7.4.2 Pier selection window............................................................................................... 7-12
7.4.3 Plot display control window ...................................................................................... 7-12
7.4.4 Force plot window .................................................................................................... 7-13
7.4.5 Segment selection window....................................................................................... 7-13
7.4.6 Interaction diagram window ..................................................................................... 7-14
7.4.7 3D Display window ................................................................................................... 7-15
7.4.8 3D Results window................................................................................................... 7-15
7.5 Status bar ......................................................................................................................... 7-16
7.6 Additional program issues................................................................................................ 7-16
7.6.1 Reopening a window ................................................................................................ 7-17
7.6.2 Changing fonts ......................................................................................................... 7-17
7.6.3 Changing p-y multipliers........................................................................................... 7-17
7.6.4 Pile number and the pile edit window....................................................................... 7-17
7.6.5 Deleting load cases .................................................................................................. 7-17
APPENDIX A - Example Problem Input Files

Example 1............................................................................................................................... A-1
Example 2............................................................................................................................... A-2
Example 3............................................................................................................................... A-5
Example 4............................................................................................................................... A-7
Example 5............................................................................................................................... A-8
Example 6............................................................................................................................... A-10
Example 7............................................................................................................................... A-12
Example 8............................................................................................................................... A-15
Example 9............................................................................................................................... A-17
APPENDIX B - References
References ............................................................................................................................. B-1
FB-PIER USERS iv
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
This report documents the applications, system requirements, user input, and theory behind the
computer code FB-Pier. Chapter 1 provides a discussion of the types of problems that FB-Pier can solve,
followed by a description of the minimum hardware requirements and the files the FB-Pier generates.
Chapter 2 provides a description of the pile/shaft, pier models and soil-structure interaction available.
Next, Chapter 3 presents nine example problems with the necessary screen input. A detailed description
of the theory for both the soil in Chapter 4 and structure analysis in Chapter 5 are provided after the
examples. Chapter 6 provides suggested soil parameters from insitu tests, however, the parameters are
only suggested and an experienced geotechnical engineer should be consulted.
1.1. TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT FB-PIER SOLVES
There are eight general types of problem that the user may model with FB-Pier. They are:
1) pile and cap only;

2) general bridge piers;
3) high mast lighting, and signs;
4) retaining walls on top of pile groups;
5) sound walls;
6) equivalent stiffness of pile group analysis;
7) pile bents;
8) column analysis.
It should be noted in this documentation that the word piles or shafts are used interchangeably unless
specifically noted. Each of the eight categories starts the user with an initial default data structure and
limits the screens that the user subsequently modifies or asks the user if they wish to change problem
type. A complete description of the eight general problem types follows.
FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-1

1.1.1. Piles and Cap Only
Shown in Figure 1.1 (a) and (b) are both the single pile/shaft problem and a group of piles and
shafts, which may be modeled with the general pile and cap option.
Soil Layer 1
Soil Layer 1
Soil Layer 1
(a) Single Pile/shaft (b) Group of Piles/Shafts with Cap
Figure 1.1 General Problem Type for Pile and Cap Only Option
As identified in Figure 1.1 (a), the single pile/shaft is the simplest soil-structure interaction
problem that the program solves and is ideal for checking all the soil and general pile/shaft information.
The analysis may be compared to similar runs of COM624P although the approaches to pile and
pile cap modeling are different between the two programs. COM624P has the capability of analyzing a
single pile with either a fixed or free pile head as shown in Figure 1.2 below. In a similar manner, FB-
Pier has the capability of modeling the pile head connection to the pile cap as either a fixed or pinned
connection as shown in Figure 1.2
No rotation
Free pile head Fixed pile head Pinned pile head Fixed pile head
(COM624P) (COM624P) connection connection
(FB-Pier) (FB-Pier)
Figure 1.2 Comparison of Pile Head Behavior

For the single pile case with a free pile head, the results from COM624P and FB-Pier should be
very similar because they model the same pile behavior. However, in order to obtain the fixed pile head
condition modeled in COM624P, the user must apply a stiff rotational spring to the pile head in FB-Pier,
to prevent any pile head rotation as shown in Figure 1.3.
No rotation No rotation
Stiff rotational
spring
Fixed pile head Fixed pile head

(COM624P) (FB-Pier)
Figure 1.3 Creating a Fixed Head Condition in FB-Pier
In addition to single pile modeling, FB-Pier has the capability of modeling pile group behavior,
which is not available in COM624P. In order to obtain similar results between the two programs when
simulating pile group behavior, all p-y multipliers in the FB-Pier pile group model must be set to 1.0 and
a pinned pile head connection must be used as shown in Figure 1.4. If a fixed pile head connection is
used, bending moments will develop at the pile heads and cause axial forces to develop in the piles (due
to frame actions). For this case, the COM624P results (for a simulated pile group) will not match the FB-
Pier results. FB-Pier will have smaller lateral displacements due to the added axial soil resistance. Other
programs like GROUP 4.0 also do not include the axial effects. The FB-Pier results will also differ if p-y
multipliers other than 1.0 are used in the pile rows.
Pile Group Fixed head Pinned head

modeling in connection causing connection modeling
FB-Pier frame actions COM624P behavior
Figure 1.4 Pinned Head Connections to Model Pile Group Behavior

For the case of pile/shaft group behavior in Figure 1.1 (b), both vertical and lateral soil
information must always be inputted since significant pile/shaft axial forces will develop for lateral loads.
The user has the option of inputting plumb or battered piles/shafts at fixed or variable spacing with
different properties along their length. In addition, all the piles/shafts are connected to a cap with a
variable fixity (either fixed or free). The cap (modeled with combined plate and beam finite elements)
response is controlled by its thickness, modulus and strength properties. All group loads (i.e. axial,
lateral, moments) are prescribed on pile/shaft cap nodes. Presently, there are no limitations on the
number of piles that may be modeled, except for the size of the PC and its memory; for instance groups
with over 100 pile/shafts have been represented.
1.1.2. General Bridge Piers
Shown in Figure 1.5 is the general bridge pier and corresponding members that FB-Pier is
capable of modeling: 1) piles or shafts; 2) pile cap; 3) piers (single or multiple); and 4) pier cap.
Pier Cap
Pier
Bridge Pile Cap

Pier
Piles or
Shafts
Soil
Soil
Figure 1.5 General Bridge

The piles/shafts may have variable cross-sections and properties with depth. The tip elevations
for all the piles/shafts within a pile set must be the same with similar properties at a given elevation. The
piles/shafts are connected to the pile/shaft cap with variable fixity. The piers, which may be round,
square or rectangular, may be of a uniform width or diameter or may be tapered with elevation. Both
single and multiple pier columns may sit on a single pile cap; however they must be uniformly spaced.
The pier cap, which is square or rectangular, is connected to the top of the piers and may be tapered or
prismatic at the cantilever ends. FB-Pier is also capable of modeling multiple pile caps under one pier
cap (Figure 1.6). The latter would be common for very wide roadways or very strong support (i.e. few
piles required) at shallow depths.

Pier Cap
Figure 1.6 Multiple Pile Groups Under One Pier Cap
As with the single pile or pile/shaft group, the user has the option of varying the batter angle of any pile
(see Figure 1.6).
To represent the added stiffness of the bridge girders and deck on top of the pier caps (Figure
1.5), the user has the option of inputting lateral or rotation springs on the pier caps. The latter is very
important to ensure that proper forces and moments are developed in the pier and underlying soil.

1.1.3 High Mast Lighting and Signs
Due to large lateral loads and poor soil conditions, many lighting, sign, and barrier structures are
supported on deep foundations. Shown in Figure 1.7 are the general lighting, sign and barrier structures
with corresponding loads which may be analyzed with FB-Pier.
Wind Load
Pile Group
Figure 1.7 Lighting and Sign Structures
The foundation is modeled with either a single element (i.e. pile or drilled shaft) or a pile group
with a pole extending above the ground surface for the High Mast Lighting case. In the case of sign
structures, there can be a cross member attached to the top of the pole. The user has the option of
inputting the wind loads along with the other loads. The wind load is characterized as a uniform line load
(force/length), which may be different on the cross member and the pole. Again, the user can employ
multiple pile or shaft types with variable spacing and batter.
1.1.4 Retaining Walls On Top Of Deep Foundations
In the case of concrete cantilever retaining walls in Figure 1.9 on soft or weak soils, FB-Pier will
analyze both the wall and supporting foundation as shown in Figure 1.9 (a). The soil behind the wall is

converted to either Coulomb or Rankine's active lateral earth pressure as shown in Figure 1.9 (b). The
user has the option of identifying any number of layers and water table elevations for the backfill (soil
behind the wall). Any of the various pile/shaft types may be used to support the wall.
Soil Layer 1
Soil Layer 2
Soil Layer 3
Soil Layer 3
(a) Soil and Cantilever Wall (b) FB-Pier Idealization
Figure 1.9 Retaining Wall
1.1.5 Sound Walls
Due to poor soil conditions, or large loads, sound walls may be supported on single piles/shafts or
a group as shown in Figure 1.10. The support for the sound wall is modeled with any of the linear, linear
full cross-section, and nonlinear steel and concrete members available for bridge piers or user generated
cross-sections. Loads on the sound wall are characterized with live and dead loads. In the case of wind
live loads, the user needs to input the uniform wind pressure (force/area) on the column and the spacing

between columns (i.e. distance between footings). In terms of the footing, the user may input a single
member or a group of piles or shafts with variable properties along their length, but similar footing
elevations.
Wind Load
Pile Group
Figure 1.10 Sound Wall on a Deep Foundation
1.1.6 Equivalent Pile Group Stiffness
Anyone designing a bridge in an earthquake area, employing equivalent static loads from modal
analysis may use FB-Pier's equivalent Pile Group Stiffness. For this approach, the user "builds" their full
bridge pier in "FB-Pier" and applies equivalent static loads. FB-Pier analysis is performed and the full
6x6 stiffness at the bottom of the pier are printed out which in turn are inputted into a general-purpose
finite element representation of the bridge (e.g. GTSTRUDL). The latter software performs a modal
analysis and determines a new set of static forces, which are fed back into FB-Pier. Based on the new set
of forces, FB-Pier determines a new stiffness, stresses, displacement, etc., and the process is repeated
until convergence is achieved. Generally, three to five iterations are performed.

1.1.7 Pile Bents
Many bridge structures utilize pile bent foundations for supporting the superstructure. Pile bent
foundations have piles that connect directly to the bent (pier) cap, thus eliminating the pier columns.
These foundations are restricted to a single row of piles.
1.1.8 Column Analysis
This type of problem allows the user to perform a biaxial bending analysis for a single column.
This is done internally by taking a single pile and treating it as a single column. The single column has
the ability to put springs at the top and bottom of the column. It also allows loads at the top and bottom.
The column properties are input as normal pile properties.
1.2 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
FB-Pier's visual interface was written in Visual C++ with full OpenGL 3D graphics allowing the
bridge pier to rotated real time. In addition the visual interface is multithreaded, where multiple windows
opened at the same time have different operations going on concurrently in each. As a consequence, the
smallest PC recommended is a Pentium with clock speed of 600 MHz and 64 MB of memory. Since the
files created by FB-Pier vary in size depending on size of the problem, a 100 MB free space on the hard
drive is recommended.
FB-Pier was developed to run on Microsoft's Windows 95, 98 or NT/2000 operating systems. The
self-installation disks will install the program and necessary files in the directory FB-Pier under the
directory Program Files.
1.3 FB-PIER FILES
The following is a list and description of the files that FB-Pier reads or writes, along with
accessibility.

1.3.1 FB-Pier.exe
The visual graphical interface for the program is FB-Pier.exe, which handles input, output and
spawning the analysis "engine". Examples of its function are graphically inputting all the data, displaying
the results (moments, shear, and axial forces along the piles, piers, etc.; displacements, and biaxial
capacities of structural members), and providing on screen help on input parameters.
1.3.2 FBPier_eng.exe , Conspawn.exe, and pyplot.dll
The "engine" or analysis portion of the code is called "FBPier_eng.exe", and was written in
Fortran 90 for optimization purposes, and must reside in same directory as FB-Pier. The engine uses as
input the same ASCII file FB-Pier reads and writes. These files are automatically saved when the user
clicks on the analysis button in FB-Pier. FB-Pier executes the analysis engine (FBPier_eng.exe) through
the small program "Conspawn.exe" which must be in the same directory as "FB-Pier.exe", and
"FBPier_eng.exe". The dynamic link library file "pyplot.dll" is called by FB-Pier, whenever the user
wishes to view the soil-pile interaction curves (i.e. p-y, T-z, etc.) using the inputted soil parameters.
Pyplot.dll should be contained in the same directory as FB-Pier.
1.3.3 FB-Pier.cnt and FB-Pier.hlp
On-line help is provided in FB-Pier through the Help menu at top of the program screen. The
associated files that FB-Pier uses are FB-Pier.cnt and FB-Pier.hlp. Since FB-Pier.hlp is a help file, it may
be clicked on from the explorer and scanned without the need for running FB-Pier. The user has the
option of either looking at a table of contents or performing a search. Both FB-Pier.cnt and FB-Pier.hlp
must be contained in the same directory as FB-Pier.exe.
1.3.4 Pile and Pier Database files (*.smd and *.pld)
The user has the option of saving either their pile, shaft or pier cross-section for later use in
another problem with FB-Pier's database features. The pile or shaft database files are called *.pld and the

pier files are called *.smd. Both sets of database files will reside in the same directory as FB-Pier. Both
sets of database files are in ASCII format so the user may edit them.
1.3.5 Default.in files
Whenever the user decides to begin a new problem in FB-Pier, they must click one of the
following nine possible choices in the Problem Tab dialog box:
General Pier - piles/shaft, cap, piers, and pier cap
Pile and Cap - pile/shaft and cap
Single Pile special case of the Pile and Cap only problem
High Mast Light/Sign - includes pile/shaft cap, pole and cross-member
Retaining Wall - piles or shafts with cap, retaining wall and backfill soil
Sound Wall - piles or shafts with cap and sound wall on top
Stiffness generates equivalent stiffness of foundation
Pile bent piles connected directly to the bent cap
Column analysis quickly compute the load-moment interaction of a column
Each of the possible nine combinations has a default data set (Default1.inDefault9.in), which gives
pile/shaft layouts, properties, etc. These files are ASCII files and may be modified with FB-Pier, or by
hand and resaved; however they must be given the same names.
1.3.6 Example.in and Example.out
Example.in or *.in is the ASCII input file that FB-Pier generates and that the engine reads to
perform an analysis. The file may be edited. The output file Example.out or *.out is an ASCII file
generated by the engine which provides a hardcopy of the output. The size of the file is controlled by the
print control options that the user checks in the analysis Tab dialog box in FB-Pier. Summary tables are
always generated. Both input and output files may be saved in any directory on the PC.

1.3.7 Binary Files: *.pil, *.plf, *.sli, *.soi, *.vmd, *.str, *.axl, and *.mom
For every problem which FB-Pier runs, a number of binary input and output files are created
which saves the result for later viewing. These binary files (i.e. not viewed with a text editor) are as
follows:
*.pil - problem pile information
*.plf - problem plot file information
*.sli - pile, pier, interaction diagram information
*.soi - soil forces
*.vmd - shear and moments in the structural members
*.str - shell forces in the pile/shaft caps
*.axl - axial forces in the structural members
*.mom -moments in the structural members.

CHAPTER 2 MODELING PARAMETERS AND SOIL STRUCTURE
INTERACTION
2.1 PILES, AND DRILLED SHAFTS MODELS
The FB-Pier program has a variety of models to represent concrete, mild steel, and prestressing in
piles, shafts, and pier cross-sections. Once a particular cross-section has been created, the user may save
it to a database for later use with a different problem.
In terms of input, the user must first specify the type of analysis, which is to be performed for the
piles/shafts. The user has the option of analyzing the structural components as one of three possibilities:
1) Linear with prescribed Youngs Modulus (E), Poissons Ratio (or Shear Modulus, G), and Moment of
Inertia (Ixx, Iyy, etc.); 2) Linear with full cross-section specified; and 3) Nonlinear. For case (2), the user
must supply in addition to the Young's Modulus, Shear Modulus, Moment of Inertia, and the location of
all the steel and concrete. The latter is used to generate a biaxial interaction diagram for the member. For
Case (3), the user must supply the parameters for default stress-strain curves for concrete and steel or
supply their own. It is recommended that for preliminary designs that Case (2) be employed. The
benefits of this over Case (1) are that the interaction diagrams, which are generated for all the members,
identifies their proximity to failure. Case (2) should always be used before Case (3), since the latter may
not converge due to failure of structural member and soil, whereas failure to converge in Case (2) is due
to lack of soil support only (i.e. need more or longer piles, shafts, etc.).
2.1.1 Driven Prestressed Concrete Piles
Shown in Figure 2.1 (a) is a typical prestressed concrete pile, which may be created in FB-Pier.

Prestress Strands
Void
Mild Steel Bar
H Pile
(a) Typical Prestressed Concrete (b) Possible Combinations within Concrete

Pile Pile
Figure 2.1 Prestressed Concrete Piles
The user has the option of adding other combinations such as a void, mild steel, pipe (not shown),
and an H pile within the cross-section (Figure 2.1 (b)). Multiple cross-sections may be employed along
the length of the pile. For instance, the mild steel, or pipe may be used at the top for connection to the
pile cap, and the H pile at the bottom to represent a stinger.
2.1.2 Drilled Shaft
Possible cross-sectional combinations for drilled shafts are shown in Figure 2.2. The mild steel
reinforcement is entered in circular rings by identifying the diameter of the ring, the number of bars and
cross-sectional area of each. The user has the option of adding voids, pipes, and casing around the
outside of the shaft. For the casing, the user must identify if it is to act as confinement for the concrete or
as composite reinforcement.
Shell
Mild Steel Rebar
Void
Figure 2.2 Drilled Shaft Cross-Section

Again the user has the option of identifying variable cross-sections with depth; however, the user must
use the same cross-sections at similar elevations for all the shafts within the group.
2.2 BRIDGE PIERS AND PIER CAPS
The same models used to represent concrete, mild steel, and prestressing in piles, shafts, are
available to piers and pier cap cross-sections. Once a particular cross-section has been created, the user
may save it to a database for later use with different problem.
In terms of input, the user must first specify the type of analysis, which is to be performed for the
piers or pier caps. The user has the option of analyzing each member (see Analysis Tab dialog box in
FB-Pier) as one of three possibilities: 1) Linear with prescribed Youngs Modulus, (E), Poisson's Ratio
(or Shear Modulus, G), and Moment of Inertias (Ixx, Iyy, etc.); 2) Linear with full cross-section specified;
and 3) Nonlinear. For case (2), the user must supply in addition to the Young's Modulus, Shear Modulus,
and Moment of Inertia, the location of all the steel and concrete. The latter is used to generate a biaxial
interaction diagram for the member. For case Case (3), the user must supply the parameters for default
stress-strain curves for concrete and steel or supply their own. It is recommended that for preliminary
designs that Case (2) be employed. The benefits of this over Case (1) are that the interaction diagrams,
which are generated for all the members, identifies their proximity to failure. Case (2) should always be
used before Case (3), for preliminary design. However Case (3) (nonlinear) should always be run at the
end since Case (1) and (2) does not consider any p-y effects which may be important for tall piers.
2.2.1 Bridge Piers
Presently, FB-Pier uses round, square and rectangular piers. They may be straight or tapered
from the top down or bottom up. Shown in Figure 2.3 (a) are the rectangular and Figure 2.3 (b) the
round cross-sections. Note for the square or rectangular cross-sections (Figure 2.3a) the mild steel
placement doesn't have to be symmetrical. However for both the rectangular or round cross-sections the
steel is expected to run from the top to the bottom of the pier. In the case of tapered piers, the outside

dimension of the pier changes from the top to the bottom and the steel position is adjusted within the
cross-section to maintain the same concrete cover.
Mild Steel Rebar Shell
Void
(a) Rectangular Concrete Pier (b) Circular Concrete Pier
Figure 2.3 Rectangular and Circular Sections
2.2.2 Bridge Pier Caps
For the pier caps, the square or rectangular cross-sections shown in Figure 2.3 (a) are available.
The pier caps and columns may be tapered as shown in Figure 2.4 (a) for single piers and Figure 2.4(b)
for multiple piers. Figure 2.4(b) also shows a center pier cap element which may be given zero stiffness
to model independent piers that might support multiple roadways. Note only the outer cantilever pier
caps may be tapered. As with tapered pier columns, the caps have the same steel running from one end to
the other with only the size of the cross-section diminishing, with same concrete cover along its length.
Center Pier Cap

Pier Cap
(Cantilever)
Pier
Column
Pile/shaft
Cap
(a) Single Column (b) Multiple Pier Columns
Figure 2.4 Tapered Pier Caps and Columns
2.3 MAST POLES, AND CANTILEVER WALLS
As with piles, shafts, and piers the user has the option of analyzing mast poles and cantilever walls
as one of three possibilities: 1) Linear with prescribed Youngs Modulus, E, Poisson's Ratio (or Shear
Modulus, G), and Moment of Inertias (Ixx, Iyy, etc.); 2) Linear with full cross-section specified; and 3)
Nonlinear. For case (2), the user must supply in addition to the Young's Modulus, Shear Modulus, and
Moment of Inertia, the location of all the steel and concrete so that the program can generate the biaxial
interaction diagram.
In terms of cross-section, the user has available to them all the sections identified for piers (Figure
2.3(a) and 2.3(b)) for walls and mast poles. For example if the user wishes to model a steel or aluminum
mast pole, they would specify the pipe in Figure 2.3 (b). In the case of aluminum and nonlinear analysis
(Case 3), they would have to provide their own stress-strain curve or modify the default curve provided in
the program (i.e. specify Young's Modulus, E, and yield strength, fy for aluminum).

As with the bridge piers, mast poles, and cantilever wall sections must have similar cross-sections
along their length and they may be tapered. Any cross-section created may also be saved to a database
for later recall in another problem.
2.4 SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION
The soil-structure interaction for deep foundations is characterized with near and far field
representation. The single pile or shaft soil-structure interaction is referred to as near field behavior, and
the combined pile or shaft behavior is referred to as far field. Each is characterized independently of one
another and will be discussed.
2.4.1 Single Pile Or Drilled Shaft Soil-Structure Interaction
An individual pile or drilled shaft's soil-structure interaction is characterized with the nonlinear
springs shown in Figure 2.5.
Vertical Nonlinear Spring Z

P
Lateral Nonlinear
Spring
(i.e. P-Y curve) Y
T
Torsional Nonlinear
Spring
(i.e. T- curve)
Figure 2.5 Near Field Soil-Structure
All of the near field springs are presently considered uncoupled (i.e. user inputs separate
properties for each spring, inputted as layer values that may vary from top to bottom). The user has a
number of different options of representing the near field vertical, lateral, and torsional behavior of single

piles/shafts. Examples of the lateral are API, Reese, Cox and Koop; and for vertical there is Reese and
O'Neill's curves for drilled shafts in sand and intermediate geomaterials, as well as others. Generally, the
program treats the vertical behavior of driven piles separate from drilled shafts (includes auger cast piles).
A complete description of various models is given in Chapter 4.
2.4.2 Far Field Or Group Behavior Of Piles/Shafts
A group of piles or shafts as shown in Figure 2.6 behaves quite differently from the sum of
single pile behavior (McVay, et al. 1998). In particular, the lead row (row furthest from lateral load)
carries more pile head shears than the trail row. For instance, in sands, the ratio was found to be
dependent on pile spacing (McVay, et al. 1998).
Lead Row
Trail Row
Figure 2.6 Group of Piles/shafts
The latter is demonstrated in Table 2.1 which shows the measured pile head shears for different
size (3x3 to 7x3) pile groups in medium dense sands. Interestingly, the average pile head shears in each
row (i.e. 1st, 2nd, etc.) of the different size groups is similar. The latter suggests that the group behavior

may be characterized by an adjustment (i.e. p-multiplier) to a single pile's p-y curve depending on its row
position.
Table 2.1 Average Pile Shear (kN) - Medium dense Sand (Dr = 55%)
Layout 3x3 4x3 5x3 6x3 7x3 Average
Lead Row 245 294 294 302 285 284

2nd Row 178 205 222 205 222 206
3rd Row 142 151 160 178 178 167
4th Row 142 151 142 151 148
5th Row 142 142 142 142
6th Row 142 142 142
7th Row 142 142
Group 1664 2375 2909 3336 3790

(Measured)
Group 1898 2398 2843 3270 3697

(Predicted)
Error (%) 14 1 2.3 2 2.5
Shown in Figure 2.7 is the group representation with the p multipliers. For 3D pile spacing, the
multipliers are automatically set as 0.8, 0.4, 0.3,0.2, ... 0.3 where 0.8 is the lead row and 0.3 is the trail
row value. In the case of 5D pile/shaft spacing the value of 1.0, 0.85, 0.7, 0.7,, 0.7 is recommended,
where 1.0 is the lead row and 0.7 is the trail row value.
P
P
P
m1 P
m2 P Y
Figure 2.7 Group Representation

CHAPTER 3 EXAMPLE PROBLEMS
The following examples were developed to acquaint the user with both the input and output of
FB-Pier. Due to the large number of options which are available for input and output, the examples will
concentrate on typical input (pile cross-sections, soil, loading, etc.) and general output. The examples are
arranged in no order of difficulty, but in type of problem being solved. It's recommended that the user
work all the problems, since different features are used.
3.1 LATERALLY LOADED SINGLE PILE
Consider the laterally loaded single pile shown in Figure 3.1.1. The pile is Florida Department
of Transportation's standard 0.76 m (30") prestressed concrete pile which is embedded in a soft clay
overlying a medium dense sand.
150 kN
Soft Clay, 50 =3%

Cu = 25 kPa t =16 kN/m3
3m
Medium Dense t = 19 kN/m3

Sand, = 35o k = 27,155 kN/m3
16 m
Figure 3.1.1 Single Pile Example
When FB-Pier is run by double clicking the mouse on the FB-Pier icon, the user will first see a
blank screen with a pile cap in the center as shown in Figure 3.1.2. To create a new model, select New
as shown in Figure 3.1.3.

Figure 3.1.2 Initial Screen for FB-Pier
Figure 3.1.3 Select New from the File Menu
Although Single Pile is one of the problem types, this example will start with a Pile and Cap Only
problem to model the single pile in order to demonstrate more of the program features. Choose Pile with
Cap only, SI units and enter the general information shown in Figure 3.1.4.

Figure 3.1.4 Select Pile with Cap, SI Units and Enter Project Description
It should be noted that it is on this screen (Figure 3.1.4) that the user selects the type of problem
that they are going to solve (i.e. general pier, pile with cap, sign, etc.) and the units that they are going to
be working in.
After clicking OK at bottom of dialog, the default data set is loaded, as shown in Figure 3.1.5.
Figure 3.1.5 is the general-purpose input, which is split into 4 separate screens. The top left is referred to
as the tab dialogs. These dialogs control all soil, geometry, loads, analysis and problem types input. Note
that the font in the tabbed dialog depends on the screen resolution. To change the font go to the Control
menu and choose Set Dialog Font and select a suitable viewing font for the tabbed dialog. The top right
is the plan view of the piles, cap and coordinate system. By right clicking the mouse in this window, the
user can delete, batter, and change the spacing of the piles. The bottom left window is the soil edit
window. This window shows the elevation of all soil layers, water table, pile top and tip elevations, and
general soil information. Right clicking the mouse in this window will also allow the users to insert,
delete, and split layers. The bottom right window is the 3D view of the piles, cap and structure, if there is
one. Right clicking the mouse in this window allows the user to view the structure in thin element mode,

and rotate the structure with the mouse (3D rotate). The latter is useful for placing loads, springs, etc. on
different nodes of the structure.
To model the example problem, the number of piles has to be reduced from 4 to 1 and the pile
cap has to be removed. This is accomplished by clicking the Pile & Cap tab dialog in Model Data
window (Figure 3.1.6a). To begin specify no cap overhang by unchecking the Apply Overhang box
under Pile Cap Data to specify zero cap Overhang length. Next, under Cap Data, click the Edit Pile Cap
button and change the cap Thickness to 0 as shown in Figure 3.1.6b. Click OK to apply the change in
pile cap thickness. At this point the Pile & Cap tab in the Model Data window should look like Figure
3.1.7.
Figure 3.1.5 Default Data Set (2x2 Pile Group)

Figure 3.1.6a Pile Tab Dialog Box Adjusted for No Cap
Figure 3.1.6b Change Cap Thickness to Zero

Figure 3.1.7 General Input Screens with Pile Cap Removed
To remove three piles (to create a single pile model), change the number of X and Y grid points
to 1. The new pile configuration is shown in Figure 3.1.8. Note the number of piles in the Pile Edit (top
right) and 3D (bottom right) windows is now one.
Figure 3.1.8 Change Grid Points to 1 by 1

It should be noted at this point that the pile data can be obtained by left clicking on the pile in the
Pile Edit window. Doing so now shows the dialog box with the top x and y coordinates and the x and y
batter. For this problem, confirm that both the x and y coordinates are set to 0 as shown in Figure 3.1.9.
This pile information can be viewed at any time during the pile modeling by clicking on the pile of
interest in the Pile Edit window.
Figure 3.1.9 Pile Data Dialog Box
The pile type and pile length should now be changed while the Pile & Cap tab dialog in the
Model Data window is still visible. In the Pile & Cap tab dialog, move the mouse to the Pile/Shaft Type
option (that currently has 0.455 M Square FDOT) and click the drop down list. A drop down list (Figure
3.1.10a) with H-pile/Pipe Pile, Precast, Drilled Shaft and Multiple will appear. Moving the mouse over
any of these shows a sub list of piles, shafts, etc., which are presently in the database that the user may
select from. The user may add to this database when they edit their pile/shaft. Select the 0.76 M Square
FDOT Standard prestressed. This pile with dimensions, steel, properties, etc. replaces the default 0.455
M square FDOT standard. Also change the length of the pile by specifying 19m for the tip elevation of
the pile in the Pile tab dialog. The final Pile tab dialog should appear as in Figure 3.1.10b. This finishes
all of the pile layout and properties input. To change any of the pile or shaft dimensions, properties, etc.,
the user could then click the Edit Cross Section button in the Pile & Cap tab dialog.

Figure 3.1.10a Select the 0.76 M Square FDOT Standard Pile
Figure 3.1.10b 0.76 M Pile with Tip Elevation of -19 m
The soil stratigraphy and properties will now be changed along with the water table. This is
accomplished by clicking on the Soil tab button in the Model Data window. Generally this screen is
referred to as the Soil tab dialog. It allows the user to input soil layers, their properties, as well as view
soil resistance (i.e. P-Y, T-Z, etc. plots). All information in the tab dialog refers to the soil layer given in
the "soil layer" box. A black box is drawn around that layer in the Soil Edit window that is being edited.

Since Example 1 has two soil layers (similar to the default set), only layer elevations, soil types
and properties need to be changed for the default data. The Soil Type combo box (below soil layer
number 1) is presently displaying Cohesionless. Click the drop down button and select the Cohesive soil
type. Note that Soil Layer information regarding Lateral, Axial, Torsional, and Tip properties goes blank
as shown in Figure 3.1.11. The user needs to select a model for each (drop down arrow alongside) first.
The necessary soil properties can then be entered using the Edit button after specifying all four soil
models.
Figure 3.1.11 Select Cohesive Soil Type for Soil Layer 1
FB-Pier highlights in the active soil layer model name in blue. Click the mouse on the drop down
button under soil layer models "lateral" as shown in Figure 3.1.12 and select Clay (Soft < Water) for the
Layer 1.

Figure 3.1.12 Select Soft Clay Below Water Table
These five different options represent the same p-y models in FHWA's COM624 with the
addition of O'Neill's model used by API, as well as a user defined (Custom) p-y data set for a clay.
Before the user may edit the data for lateral model, a selection must be inputted for the other soil-
pile interaction models. Under axial (Figure 3.1.13), the user has the option of selecting Driven Pile,
Drilled Shaft, and Custom T-Z. Note it's assumed that the axial behavior of driven piles and drilled shafts
are different from one another vs. the lateral model, which assumes that they are interchangeable. Also,
all model selection is based on soil layer number and soil type, which must be selected first. For this
model, select Driven Pile.

Figure 3.1.13 Axial Soil Model
In the case of the Torsional model, there are only two to choose from (Hyperbolic or Custom).
Select the Hyperbolic, which requires the initial slope and ultimate skin friction (see Chapter 4). In the
case of the pile/shaft tip model in Figure 3.1.14, the user may select from driven pile, and multiple drilled
shaft options. Since the example is a driven pile, select the Driven Pile.
Figure 3.1.14 Select Driven Pile Option

Once all the soil-pile models have been selected, look at the Soil Edit window (bottom left) and
observe that soil layer 1 has changed colors to brown (brown: cohesive; yellow: cohesionless; rock: gray)
as shown in Figure 1.15.
Figure 1.15 Soil Layer 1 Changed to Cohesive with Undrained Strength

Next, the elevations of the first soil layer, as well as the water table need to be changed. For soil
layer 1, enter 0 m for the top elevation, -3 m for the bottom and 0 m for the water table as shown in
Figure 1.16.

Figure 3.1.16 Change Elevations of Layer 1
At this point, the user can edit the soil parameters for each of the Soil Layer Models for Layer 1.
Click on the Lateral drop down list to activate the lateral soil properties. (The word Lateral should now
be blue). Now click the Edit button to edit the lateral soil. Enter the values shown in Figure 3.1.17 and
click OK.
The user has the option of viewing the p-y, t-z, etc. for the top or bottom of each layer. For
instance, the soft clay's p-y curve for the bottom of the layer 1 is shown in Figure 3.1.18. The latter was
obtained by clicking the Plot button in the Soil tab dialog. Click OK when done. This concludes the data
entry for the top soil layer for this example.

Figure 3.1.17 Additional Soil Properties Dialog Box (Layer 1)
Figure 3.1.18 P-y Plot for Soil Layer 1

Next click on Soil Layer 2, in the Soil Layer box so that the soil properties can be specified for
the second soil layer. Select the Soil Type as Cohesionless. Confirm that the Lateral soil model is Sand
(Reese), the Axial model is Driven Pile, the Torsional model is Hyperbolic, and the Tip model is Driven
pile. Click on the Lateral model drop down list to activate the lateral properties. Click the Edit button
and enter the values shown in Figure 3.1.19. When done change the elevations of top of layer to -3 m,
and the bottom of the layer at -20 m (below the pile tip) and water table elevation for the layer at 0 m.
Note the user has the option of specifying different water table elevation for each layer. The Soil Edit
window should appear as shown in Figure 3.1.20.
Figure 3.1.19 Additional Soil Properties Dialog Box (Layer 2)

Figure 3.1.20 Layer 2 Soil Models and Elevations
To change any information within a given soil layer, the user may click on Soil layer in the soil
tab dialog, or left click on that layer with the mouse in the soil edit window. Try left clicking with the
mouse on the Layer 1 (cohesive) in the soil edit window (bottom left). Notice that the black border now
encompasses layer 1.
The only other information required to analyze Example 1 is the pile loads, which are accessible
from the Load tab dialog in the Model Data window. Since the default data set has two load cases, the
user needs to left click the mouse on load case 2 and delete this load case with the left Del button.
The node in the 3D View that presently has a load on it is Node 7, which is leftover from the
original pile and cap only problem. Click on Node 7 in the list and delete this load by clicking the right
Del button. To add a load to Node 1, left click the mouse on the top node in the 3D View window. Click
Add and then enter 150 kN for the lateral load (X) in the tab dialog and press the tab or enter key to
update the load. The Load tab dialog should now look like Figure 3.1.21.
The Self Weight list item is used to enter load factors for self weight and buoyancy. Although
self weight will not be included in this problem, for simplicity, in a general problem the user would click
on Self Weight and enter the appropriate load factors for each load case. Leave the factors as zero.

Figure 3.1.21 Lateral Load for Load Case 1
For Example 1, all of the data has been input (Soil, pile, and loading). The screen should now
look like Figure 3.1.22.
Figure 3.1.22 Model Screen Before Analysis

Now the single pile problem can be analyzed. Shown in Figure 3.1.23 are the toolbar buttons
which are available to perform separate tasks (i.e. input, analysis, pile results, structural results, etc.). For
instance, the general four split screen input that has been used to this point is available by pushing the
Edit Model button.
Run Analysis Pile Interaction 3D Results

Edit Model Pile Results
Figure 3.1.23 Input, Analysis, and Result Viewing Toolbar Buttons
Clicking the mouse on the Run Analysis button will generate the popup window shown in Figure
3.1.24 after being prompted to save work and overwrite the results. The window identifies what is
occurring in the analysis, i.e. current load step, out of balance forces, moments, etc. After a successful
run, the window will identify that the forces in the system were recovered and then the status window will
display Done. The window will close automatically if the analysis converged to a solution.
Figure 3.1.24 FB-Pier Performing Analysis of Example 1
At this point, there are a number of different viewing options available (pile resultant forces,
displacements etc.) with the viewing icons given in Figure 3.1.23. For viewing pile displacements, click
on the 3D Results button and Figure 3.1.25 is generated. The user may find the displacements of any
point on the pile by clicking the mouse on the node of interest on the undeformed pile. The node should

turn orange, and the displacements and rotations will be displayed in the 3D Display Control window to
the left.
Figure 3.1.25 3D View of Pile Displacements
For viewing the pile resultant forces, moments, and pile-soil reaction along the pile click the Pile
Results button in the toolbar. In this view, the resultant forces are plotted along the pile length. The user
controls what graphs to plot in the lower bottom window by clicking on or off in the Plot Display Control
window, what's of interest. Since, this is a single pile analysis only one pile is visible in the Pile Selection
window; however, if this was a group with a number of piles, the user could click on piles of interest.
Their results would be displayed together in the lower result windows. Click on the pile in the Pile
Selection window to active the pile. Check Shear 2, Moment 3, Demand/Capacity Ratio, Soil Axial, and
Soil Lat X in the Plot Display Control window. Next, check Apply to plot the forces along the length of
the pile. The resulting view is shown in Figure 3.1.26.

Figure 3.1.26 Pile Resultant Forces, Moments, etc. Along Pile Length
The last window displayed in Figure 3.1.26 is the Demand/Capacity Ratio along the pile. It
identifies the ratio of the resultant moments from equilibrium divided by the biaxial moment capacity for
the section at that depth. For this problem, the value is 0.388, indicating that the section under the given
loading is at about 40% of its ultimate load capacity.
To see the resultant moments in both directions vs. the actual moment capacities for a pile click
the Pile Interaction button in the toolbar and select Biaxial Moment Interaction. Figure 3.1.27 shows the
typical biaxial interaction diagram. The user can click on different pile elements along the pile to view the
interaction. The symbols I and J refer to the bottom and top of the element, respectively. For the top
element that is currently selected, the combination of bending moments is clearly inside the failure
surface. Uniaxial Moment Interaction diagrams can also be viewed for bending about the local 2 and 3
axis. For the uniaxial moment interaction diagrams, the axial load is plotted against the bending moment.

Figure 3.1.27 Resultant Moments and Segment Capacities
The user may print any active window by clicking on the printer icon (see Figure 3.1.23). The
full output is saved to a file "<filename>.out", where the <filename> is the name of input file that you
saved. To view this output file from the graphical interface, click on the Control menu and select View
Analysis Data.
COMPARISON OF FB-PIER RESULTS TO OTHER PILE ANALYSIS PROGRAMS
The Single Pile Example shown in Figure 3.1.1 was recreated using LPILE (Ensoft) and
COM624P (FHWA) for comparison to the FB-Pier results. This discussion shows that the results are
very similar results between the COM624P and FB-Pier analyses. The results differed somewhat
between LPILE and FB-Pier, though. The results from all three programs were extracted from their
respective output files and plotted for comparison in the discussion that follows.

Before proceeding it is important to explain a significant difference between the interpretation of
the pile diameter between FB-Pier and the LPILE and COM624P programs. FB-Pier uses an effective
soil diameter for non-circular piles, which considers both cross-sectional dimensions of the pile. This
procedure was implemented to be consistent with the diameter used in the calculation of vertical skin
friction on non-circular piles. (For square piles, the effective soil diameters is about 13% larger than the
pile width) In contrast, LPILE and COM624P use only the width of the pile in determining the soil
reaction. Note that for round piles, the pile diameter is the same for all three programs. The results
presented below use a round pile implementation for FB-Pier so that a valid comparison can be done
between the programs.
4 Lpile
COM624
Depth (m)
8 FB-Pier
12
16
20
-50.00 0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00
Soil Reaction (kN/m)
Figure 3.1.28 Comparison of Soil Reaction.
Figure 3.1.28 shows some variation in the soil reaction computed by all three programs. The
variation in soil reaction can be attributed to the difference in the p-y curve methodology used by each
program. While all three programs compute an equivalent depth of soil layers by matching the ultimate
soil resistance at the soil layer interface (Georgiadis 1983), the procedures are clearly not identical. The
FB-Pier results fall in between the COM624P and LPILE results. Notice that the discrepancy occurs at
approximately 3 meters along the pile, at the interface between the soil layers.

As shown in Figures 3.1.29 and 3.1.30, the values of the maximum shear and moment are similar
for FB-Pier and COM624P. The results are slightly different when compared to LPILE.
4 Lpile
COM624
Depth (m)
8 FB-Pier
12
16
20
-150.0 -100.0 -50.0 0.0 50.0 100.0 150.0 200.0
Pile Shear Force (kN)
Figure 3.1.29 Comparison of Pile Shear Force.
4 Lpile
COM624
Depth (m)
8 FB-Pier
12
16
20
-100.0 0.0 100.0 200.0 300.0 400.0 500.0
Pile Moment (kN-m)
Figure 3.1.30 Comparison of Pile Moment.
For the pile deflection plotted in Figure 3.1.31, the FB-Pier and COM624P results match very
well. LPILE predicted a smaller pile deflection though.

0
4
Lpile
COM624
Depth (m)
8
FB-Pier
12
16
20
-0.002 0.000 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010
Pile Deflection (m)
Figure 3.1.31 Comparison of Pile Deflection.
A comparison can also be made for the error in equilibrium along the pile. Consider a free body
diagram of the top portion of the pile. This diagram would include the loads at the pile head and the soil
reaction force results all the way up to the cut. The error in shear equilibrium can be determined by
summing the horizontal forces and then solving for the shear force at the cut. This shear force can then be
compared to the shear force reported by the program at the cut. The difference between the values can be
attributed to numerical error in the solution process.
Load
Soil Reaction
V (Shear)

The following graph shows the difference between the pile shear forces reported by LPILE,
COM624, and FB-Pier compared to the shear force obtained from the respective horizontal force
summations. The results show that there is significantly less numerical error in determining the shear
force using FB-Pier. Although not shown here, there is also a similar numerical error associated with the
determination of moment equilibrium in the pile. The end result is that you can expect to see a different
location for the maximum shear and moment along the pile when comparing the results of the three
programs, particularly when dealing with layer soil systems.
0
Lpile
2
COM624
4
FB-Pier
6
8
Depth (m)
10
12
14
16
18
20
-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10
Shear Error (kN)
It should also be stated that all three programs satisfy global equilibrium. In all cases, the
externally applied load equals the sum of the soil reactions. The distribution of that load along the pile
between the three programs can be notably different, however.
This concludes Example 1.

3.2 BRIDGE PIER
Shown in Figure 3.2.1 is the bridge pier with geometry and soil conditions, which will be
modeled in Example 2. The problem represents a navigable waterway crossing, which involves both
lateral and axial loads. The foundation consists of 6-54 inch drilled shafts (80 ft long), and two pier
columns which are 30 ft tall, 5 ft square and spaced 16 2/3 ft apart. The pier cap is 5 ft thick and the
drilled shaft cap is 10 ft thick with a 4.5 ft overhang. Due to scour, the sand surface is located 15 ft below
mean sea level, and the soft rock is characterized as FHWA's intermediate geomaterial. The properties of
the sand and rock are given in Figure 3.2.1.
150 kips 150 kips

250 kips
13.7'
9.65 16.7'
30'
1000 kips
15' Water
Sand 80' N = 35
t = 120 pcf 35' k = 150 pci
Cu=2.8ksi
Soft Rock,
qt=0.28ksi
t = 140 pcf
50 = 1%
Figure 3.2.1 Example 2, Pier Structure

From the File option, the user needs to select new (Figure 3.2.2):
Figure 3.2.2 Select New from the File Menu
Choose General Pier and enter the general information in Figure 3.2.3. Be sure to choose the
English systems of units to load the correct default data set.
Figure 3.2.3 Select General Pier, English Units and Enter Project Description

After clicking OK at bottom of dialog, the default data set is loaded. Figure 3.2.4 shows the
general-purpose input, which is split into 4 separate screens. The top left is referred to as the Model Data
window. The Model Data window contains tabbed dialogs that control all soil, geometry, loads, analysis
and problem types input. The top right is the plan view of the piles, cap and coordinate system. By right
clicking the mouse in this window, the user can delete, batter, and change the spacing of the piles. The
bottom left window is the Soil Edit window. This window shows the elevation of all soil layers, water
table, pile top and tip elevations, and general soil information. Right clicking the mouse in this window
will also allow the users to insert, delete, and split layers. The bottom right window is the 3D View of the
piles, cap and structure, if there is one. Right clicking the mouse in this window allows the user to view
the structure in line mode, and rotate the structure with the mouse (3D rotate). The latter is useful for
placing loads, springs, etc. on different nodes in the structure.
Figure 3.2.4 Default Data Set (3x3 Pile Group)
To model the example problem, click the Pile & Cap tab in the Model Data window. To begin,
click on the yellow drop down box to access the Pile/Shaft Database and select 54 drilled shaft from

Drilled Shaft list. Change the number of grid points in the Y-direction to 4. Now the number of piles has
to be reduced from 9 (from a 3x3 group) to 6 (to a 3x2 group). Next, in the Pile Cap Data section, set the
Overhang to 54 inches. Finally, confirm that the pile spacing in both the X and Y directions is set to 3d.
The Model Data window should now look like Figure 3.2.5a.
Figure 3.2.5a Pile Tab Dialog Adjusted for Number of Piles and 54 Drilled Shaft
The next step is to edit the pile cap properties. To do this, click on Edit Pile Cap in the Cap Data
section. The Cap Properties dialog should appear as shown in Figure 3.2.5b. Change the Thickness to
10 ft and then click OK to confirm the change and exit the dialog.
Figure 3.2.5b Pile Cap Properties

The four split screen inputs should look like Figure 3.2.6. Note the Pile Edit window (top right)
shows six shafts (i.e. 3x2).
Figure 3.2.6 General Input Screen for Shafts with Pile Cap
After completing the shaft and cap configuration, the user is ready to specify the soil stratigraphy,
properties, and the water table. To begin, click on the Soil tab with the Model Data window (Figure
3.2.7). This problem consists of two soil layers below a water table. Confirm that a Cohesionless soil is
selected for Layer 1 to model the top sand layer. Change the Unit Weight to 120 pcf. Change the Axial
soil model to Drilled Shaft Sand. The other soil properties can remain as their default values. Next,
change the Elevation of the Water Table to 0 ft, the Top of Layer 1 to -15 ft, and the Bottom of Layer 1 to
-50 ft. Make sure to include the negative signs on the elevations to indicate a downward direction.
Notice that while editing the soil properties, a black box appears around the current soil layer.

Figure 3.2.7 Select Cohesionless Soil Type for Soil Layer 1
The second soil layer properties can now be entered after completing the soil properties for the
first soil layer. For this problem, the second layer consists of soft rock with the properties given in Figure
3.2.1. To begin editing the second layer, select Add Layer from the Soil Layer drop down list (Figure
3.2.8). Click OK in the dialog to confirm the layer addition. Notice that a black box is drawn around the
second soil layer, indicating that soil layer 2 is the current soil layer.
Figure 3.2.8 Select Add Layer to Create Soil Layer 2

To create the soft rock layer for layer 2, select Rock from the Soil Type list as shown in Figure
3.2.9a. After selecting the rock Soil Type, proceed to the Soil Layer Models. For the Lateral model,
select Clay (Soft < Water) from the drop down list. For the Axial model choose Drilled Shaft Rock and
for the Torsional model choose Hyperbolic. Finally, for the Tip model, choose Drilled Shaft Rock. After
selecting the Soil Layer Models, change the Unit Weight of the rock to 140 pcf. Also change the Water
Table Elevation to 0 ft, the Top of Layer 2 to -50 ft, and the Bottom of Layer 2 to -80 ft. Again
remember to include the negative signs in the layer elevations. All of the rock layer parameters are
shown in Figure 3.2.9a.
Figure 3.2.9a Select Soil Layer Models for Layer 2
Before completing the rock layer, the soil properties must be specified for the Clay (Soft <
Water) Lateral Model. To do this, first click on the Lateral model to activate the layer model. At this
point the word Lateral should be blue. Now, click the Edit button next to the Soil Layer Models. Enter
the properties shown in Figure 3.2.9b and click Ok when done.

Figure 3.2.9b Soft Clay Properties for Layer 2
Now the soil properties must be specified for the Axial Soil Model. To do this, first click on the
Axial Model to activate the layer model. At this point the word Axial should be blue. Now, click the
Edit button next to the Soil Layer Models. Enter the properties shown in Figure 3.2.9c. For this problem
only change the Tensile Strength to 40,320 psf, the Mass Modulus to 20 ksi and the Modulus Ratio to 0.5.
All other properties in this dialog can remain as their default values. Click OK when done.

Figure 3.2.9c Axial Soil Model for Layer 2
The final plot of the soil strata should look like Figure 3.2.10. Note that you can zoom in or out
of this soil layer view by clicking the center mouse button (if available) to toggle to 3D control mode.
After doing so, hold the Control key down while left clicking the mouse and dragging the mouse upward
or downward.

Figure 3.2.10 Final Soil Layers
The pile system is now complete and is embedded into the given soil layers. The next step is to
change the pier structure to model the current pier. To begin, click on the Pier tab in the Model Data
window. Enter the values that appear in Figure 3.2.11 to modify the pier structure. These are the same
dimensions given in Figure 3.2.1 in the introduction to Example 2. Also, be sure to click the Full Cross
Section button so that a complete cross section can be specified for the pier. The pier should appear
centered on the pile cap in the 3D in the bottom right window. Remember that at any time you can click
the right mouse button in the 3D window to change the viewing properties of the pier system.

Figure 3.2.11 Selecting the Structure Tab for Structure Properties
The Full Cross Section button was clicked to enable the section properties for the pier. Click the
Edit Cross Section button to view the dialog shown in Figure 3.2.12. This dialog allows the user to
specify the dimensions of the pier component, the stress/strain curves, and the placement of the
reinforcing steel. The list under Pier Component shows the sections that are currently defined. By
default there are two sections, representing the pier column and the pier cap beam. To modify the column
section, click the first item on the list to activate the column section. Click the Modify Current Section to
change the section properties. Now change the Width and Depth of the column to 60 inches. Note that
the name of the cross-section is called Custom until the section is saved to the database. This can be
done after entering all of the properties for the section. Now click on the Edit Properties button to specify
the material properties for the column. At this time, only the concrete properties can be entered. The
steel properties will be entered after specifying the layout of the reinforcing bars. Enter the concrete
properties shown in Figure 3.2.13 and click OK when done.

Figure 3.2.12 Editing Pier Cross-Sectional Properties
Figure 3.2.13 Default Stress/Strain Curves

The next step is to customize the shape of the cross-section. Return to the Pier Component
Properties dialog if not already there. Start with the Pier Column first by clicking on the Column
component in the list. Again, the name of the section name Custom will be changed after entering all
of the section properties and saving the section to the database. Make sure that the Rectangular Section
shape button is activated. Then click on the Edit Section Contents button to specify the reinforcement.
The Rectangular Section Properties dialog should appear as shown in Figure 3.2.14.
Figure 3.2.14 Square Section Properties
First, create a new bar group by clicking the Add button under Edit Bar Groups. The list now
shows Group1 as the only group. To place the reinforcement, the user must select the number of bars
in each row, the bar area, the starting coordinates of the row, and the orientation of the row (either
horizontal or vertical). For this problem, use 12 #11 bars with a bar area of 1.56 in2. The origin of the
bar placement is in the center of the square shown in Figure 3.2.14. To maintain a 4 concrete cover with
the 60 x 60 column, the bar placement should start at the point (-26, -26) to place a vertical row of bars
on the left face of the column. Enter these values as shown in Figure 3.2.14a and click Apply to update
the bar group. The first row of bars now appears.

Figure 3.2.14a First Row of Reinforcing Steel
Now a horizontal row of reinforcing steel can be added. Click Add to create Group2. Enter 10
#11 bars with a bar area of 1.56in2. Change the starting bar coordinates to (-21.27,26) in the 2 and 3
directions, respectively. This starting coordinate will ensure that the bar spacing is consistent both
vertically and horizontally. Make sure to click Horizontal for a row of steel. Enter the values shown in
Figure 3.2.14b and click the Apply button when done to update the bar placement. Enter the 3rd and 4th
bar groups in a similar manner. Make sure to change the starting coordinates to (26, 26) for group 3 and
(21.27, -26) for group 4. When finished, click Apply and the bar placement should look like Figure
3.2.14c. Click OK when done to return to the Element Properties dialog.

Figure 3.2.14b Second Row of Reinforcing Steel
Figure 3.2.14c Final Placement of Reinforcing Steel
Before saving the section, the material properties for the reinforcing steel should be entered. To
do this, make sure that the column section is selected from the list material property. Click Edit

Properties to enter the steel properties. In the dialog, click Mild Steel to activate the steel properties and
enter the values given in Figure 3.2.15. Click OK when done to return to the Element Properties dialog.
Figure 3.2.15 Entering Steel Material Properties
In order to change the name of the column section click Save Section to add the section to the
existing database. Change the name of the section to Linear 60x60 concrete. When finished the
dialog should look like Figure 3.2.16. Click OK. The Material Property list will update after clicking
Retrieve Section in the Pier Component Properties dialog. After selecting the section just created, the
Pier Component Properties dialog will look like Figure 3.2.17.
Figure 3.2.16 Saving Column Section

Figure 3.2.17 Renamed Column Section
The pier cap section can then be specified now that the column section is complete. For this
example, the pier cap will be reinforced in a similar way to the pier columns. Assume that the pier cap is
4ft (48 inches) deep and 5 ft (60 inches) wide. Also assume that the cantilever portions of the pier cap are
not tapered. To start with the Beam properties, click Modify Current Section and then change the Width
to 60 inches and the Depth to 48 inches. Next, change the fc Compressive to 5 ksi and the Concrete
Modulus to 4200 ksi by editing the stress/strain properties and clicking OK. Now click Edit Section
Contents to enter the data for the reinforcement.
The placement of the reinforcing bars is based on a system of local axes that is different than the
column. This is because the orientation of the pier cap section is different than the pier column section.
The difference in the local coordinate systems is shown in Figure 3.2.18.

3
WIDTH
2 3
WIDTH DEPTH
DEPTH
2
Pier Column Pier Cap

Figure 3.2.18 Local Coordinate System for Pier Column and Pier Cap
The bar layout in the Section Properties dialog is based on the appropriate 2-3 coordinate system.
For both the pier column and pier cap, strong axis bending is assumed about the 3-axis. For the pier cap,
the 2-3 axes are oriented differently than the column 2-3 axes. Therefore the reinforcement will be placed
differently in the Section Properties dialog. The following steel placement will illustrate the proper use of
the 2-3 local coordinate system.
Create a new bar group by clicking Add. Then create a horizontal row of 6 #9 bars with a bar
area of 1 in2. Start the horizontal row at (-16, -26) for the 2 and 3 directions, respectively. After entering
the values and clicking Apply, the dialog should look like Figure 2.3.19a. Create a second bar group for
the row of horizontal bars at the top. Click the Add button and use the same bar properties, but start the
row at (-16, 26) for the 2 and 3 directions, respectively.

Figure 3.2.19a First Row of Steel Bars for Pier Cap Beam
The vertical layers of steel (for flexure) can be created in a similar manner. Use 12 #11 bars with
a bar area of 1.56 in2 on both the top and bottom. For the 2-3 coordinate system, this would be a vertical
layer of steel on the left and right faces. Add the two rows as Group 3 starting at the point (-21, 26) and
Group 4 starting at the point (21, 26). The final bar placement should appear as in Figure 3.2.19b. When
finished click OK to return to the Pier Component Properties dialog.
Before leaving the Pier Component Properties dialog, click the Edit Properties button to specify
the stress-strain values for the mild steel in the pier cap section. Click Mild Steel and enter 60 ksi for the
Yield Stress and 29,000 for the Modulus. Click OK when done to update the cross-section.

Figure 3.2.19b Final Placement of Steel Bars for Pier Cap Beam
Figure 3.2.20 Final Section Properties for Pier
Click OK to return to the main program.

Now that the pier configuration is complete, the 3D View looks like Figure 3.2.21a.
Figure 3.2.21a 3D View of Pier
To change the view, click the right mouse button in the 3-D view window. The menu that
appears (Figure 3.2.21b) allows you to change the various plotting characteristics of the pier. To rotate
the pier to a new orientation, select 3D Mouse Control. Hold the left mouse button down and move the
mouse in the direction that you wish to rotate the pier.
Figure 3.2.21b 3-D View Menu

Click on the Load tab in the Model Data window to apply the loads to the pier. First, delete Load
Case 2 using the Del button to the left of the Load Case list. Next, delete the nodal loads in Load Case
1 one at a time using the right Del button (the Self Weight item can not be deleted). The lateral load
will be included first by clicking on Node 38 in the 3D View window and then clicking the Add button
(to the right of the node list). Node 38 is a node on the center left side of the pile cap where the lateral
load will be applied. Enter 1000 kips for the X Load. Click the right Del button to delete Node 68. The
dialog should look like Figure 3.2.22.
Figure 3.2.22 Applying Lateral Load
The node can also be activated by clicking on the appropriate node in the 3D view of the pier. To
demonstrate this, click on the leftmost node of the pier cap. The node turns orange and the Load dialog
shows that the node is Node 71. Click Add to add the node to the load case and enter 150 kips for the Z
Load. Notice that the load arrow turned orange to indicate the current load. Next, add 250 kips to Node
70 and 85 (the top of the two pier columns). Finally add 150 kips to Node 89 at the right end of the pier
cap. When all of the loads are entered, the load dialog should look like Figure 3.2.23.
For this example, leave the Self Weight and Buoyancy Factors as zero to ignore self weight.

Figure 3.2.23 Final Load Application
For the last part, a spring will be added to simulate the lateral stiffness of the bridge. To
accomplish this, click on the Springs tab in the Model Data window. Now in the 3D View of the pier
click on the far right node in the pier cap to place the spring there. Click on Add to create a new spring.
Enter 5000 kips/in for the Stiffness in the X Direction. The dialog should now look like Figure 3.2.24.
The spring should visible in the 3D View at this point.
Figure 3.2.24 Lateral Spring Application

The analysis options should now be set before analyzing the pier. Click on the Analysis tab in
the Model Data window. Since this is a preliminary analysis, select Linear for both the Pile Behavior and
the Structure Behavior. Later, these can be switched to nonlinear for a complete analysis including
nonlinear material behavior and p- effects. The dialog should look like Figure 3.2.25.
The data entry phase is now complete. Save the file if you havent already done so by clicking
on the disk icon at the top of the screen. Type Example2.in for the name of the file. The pier is now
ready for the analysis phase.
Figure 3.2.25 Analysis Options
To analyze the pier, click on the button at the top of the screen. A dialog appears
showing the status of the analysis after prompting the user to overwrite the file. The time needed for the
analysis will depend on the speed of the computer. When the analysis is done close the window to
continue.
To view the drilled shaft (or pile) results, click on the button in the top toolbar. Click
on the drilled shaft labeled 1 in the Pile Edit window and then click Apply in the Plot Display Control
window. The screen should now look like Figure 3.2.26, which shows different plots for drilled shaft #1.

As an example, look at the plot of moment about the 3 axis along the pile. Click on the Moment
3 window to signal the Plot Display Control Window to update the maximum and minimum moment
values. Notice that for shaft #1, the largest moment is -1,482 kip-ft.
The plots for other shafts can be generated at the same time by clicking on the shaft number and
then Apply. To remove a shaft from the plots, click on the shaft in the Pile Edit window to return the
shaft to its original color and click Apply. Use the check boxes to control the number of plots shown.
Remember to click Apply to redraw the plots. The maximum force values can also be plotted for all load
cases.
Figure 3.2.26 Drilled Shaft Results
To view the pier structure results, click on the button in the top toolbar. Click on the pier
cap in the Structure window and then click Apply in the Plot Display Control window. The screen should
now look like Figure 3.2.27, which shows different plots for pier cap. The plots for the pier columns can
be generated at the same time by clicking on the pier component and then Apply. Use the check boxes to
control the number of plots shown. Remember to click Apply to redraw the plots. The maximum force
values can also be plotted for all load cases.

Figure 3.2.27 Pier Structure Results
To view the interaction diagrams for the drilled shafts (or piles), click on the button in
the top toolbar. Select Biaxial Moment Interaction and then click on the shaft #1 in the Pile Edit window.
The interaction diagram is shown for the top segment shaft #1. This interaction diagram (Figure 3.2.28)
shows the failure contour at the given axial load. The plot represents all possible cases of biaxial failure
for the given section. For this example, there is only uniaxial bending from the applied loads. Points I
and J on the diagram show the force combination for the current segment (element). Point J
represents the top of the element and point I represents the bottom of the element. The remaining
contour plots for the drilled shaft can be generated by clicking on any one of the 16 shaft segments in the
Segment Edit window.

Figure 3.2.28 Drilled Shaft Interaction Diagram
To view the interaction diagrams for the pier structure, click on the button in the top
toolbar. Select Biaxial Moment Interaction and then click on the right column in the Structure window.
The interaction diagram is shown for the bottom segment of the right column. This interaction diagram
(Figure 3.2.29) shows the failure contour at the given axial load. The plot represents all possible cases of
biaxial failure for the given column section. For this example, there is only uniaxial bending from the
applied loads. Again, points I and J on the diagram show the force combination for the current
segment (element). The remaining contour plots for the drilled shaft can be generated by clicking on any
one of the 6 column segments in the Segment Edit window. You can also click on the other column or
the pier cap to see additional interaction diagrams.

Figure 3.2.29 Pier Structure Interaction Diagram
The 3D Results can also be viewed as a final step in the analysis. To view the displaced shape of
the pier system, click on the button in the top toolbar. The resulting screen should look like
Figure 3.2.30. The displacement values can be obtained for each node. Click on the node in the 3D plot
or select the node under Node Information to view the values. In addition to the displaced shape, you can
also view the displacement contours and stresses in the pile cap by clicking the appropriate button in the
3D Display Control window.

Figure 3.2.30 3D Pier Results
This completes Example 2.

CHAPTER 4 SOIL THEORY
4.1 SOIL-PILE INTERACTION
FB-Pier incorporates both the axial and lateral soil-pile interaction. The axial soil-pile interaction
is modeled through hyperbolic t-z curves. The lateral soil-pile interaction is modeled with nonlinear p-y
curves. The user has the option of picking from one of six different p-y models. Four of the p-y models
are the same as those given in FHWA's COM624P manual (1993).
4.2 LATERAL SOIL-PILE INTERACTION
The following lateral soil models (p-y) are incorporated into FB-Pier:
4.2.1 O'Neill's Sand
SOIL=1, is O'Neill (1984) recommended p-y curve for sands:
kz
p = Ap u tanh y (1)
Ap u
where = a factor used to describe pile shape;

= 1.0 for circular piles;
A = 0.9 for cyclic loading;
= 3-0.8 z/D 0.9 for static loading;
D = diameter of pile;
pu = ultimate soil resistance per unit of depth;
k = modulus of lateral soil reaction (lb/ft3 or N/m3).
The ultimate soil resistance pu in Eqn. 1 is determined from the lesser value given by Equations 2 and 3.
[( )
p u = z D K p K a + zK p tan tan ] (2)
(
p u = Dz K p 3 + 2 K 0 K p 2 tan + tan K a ) (3)
where z = depth in soil from ground surface;

= effective unit weight of soil;
Ka = Rankine active coefficient;
= (1 - sin )/(1 + sin );

Kp = Rankine passive coefficient;
= 1/ K a ;
Ko = at-rest earth pressure coefficient;
= 1 - sin ;
= angle of internal friction;
= 45o + /2 .
The p-y relationship given in equation 1 depends on the soil parameters k (lb/in3 or N/m3) and
(deg), which may be obtained from insitu SPT data. For sand, use SPT to find (Figure 4.1) and to
find k (F/L 3 ) (Figure 4.2). Comparison between O'Neill's p-y curve for sand and Reese et al. curve
(SOIL=2) is shown in the figure below. O'Neill's curve fits Reese's curve very closely, but has better
numerical attributes (it's smooth).
PU
O'Neill (1984)
Reese, Cox and Koop (1974)
SAME , DEPTH
AND SOIL UNIT WEIGTH
Y
Figure 4.1 Comparison of ONeills and Reese, Cox, and Koops P-Y Curves

100 N UM B E R S O N C UR VE S
IN D IC A T E E F F E C T IVE 40 psi
O VE R B UR D E N P R E S S UR E
80
60
20 psi
40
20 0 psi
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Dr (%)
R E LA T IVE VE R Y LO O S E VE R Y
LO O S E M E D IUM D EN S E
D E N S IT Y D EN S E
28 o 29 o 30o 36 o 41o 45o
Figure 4.2 SPT Blow Count vs. Friction Angle and Relative Density
V ER Y M ED IU M V ER Y
LOOS E D EN S E
LOOS E D EN S E D EN S E
300
250
S A N D A B OV E
THE W A TER
TA B LE
200
)
3
k ( lb / inch
150
100 S A N D B ELOW
THE W A TER
TA B LE
50
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
D r (%)
Figure 4.3 K vs. Relative Density

4.2.2 Reese, Cox, and Koops Sand
SOIL=2, Reese, Cox, and Koop (1974) developed p-y curves for static and cyclic loading of sands based
on an extensive testing of pipe piles in Texas. The p-y curve is shown below and a complete description
of curve is available in FHWA's COM624P manual. User must supply the soil's angle of internal friction,
, subgrade modulus, K, and the sand's buoyant unit weight, '.
x = x4
x = x3
x = x2
p
pu u
x = x1
m m
pm yu
k
pk ym
yk
k sx x=0
b/60 3b/80
y
Figure 4.4 P-Y Curves for Static and Cyclic Loading of Sand (after Reese, et al, 1974)
4.2.3 O'Neill's Clay
SOIL=3, is O'Neill's P-Y method for static and cyclic loading of clays. Shown in the figures below are
both the static and cyclic curves. The user must supply the clay's undrained strength, c, the strain (in/in)
at 50% failure, 50 and 100% of failure 100 from an unconfined compression test.

RATIO OF SOIL RESISTANCE, P/ PU
1.0
P = 0 .5 P FOR X XCr
PU U
0.5
P
PU
= 0 .5 ( YY ) 0 . 387
P
PU
= 0 .5 F C X
Xr
C
0.0
1 10 Y
RATIO OF DEFLECTION,
YC
Figure 4.5 O'Neill's Integrated Method for Clay (b) Cyclic Loading Case
RATIO OF SOIL RESISTANCE, P/ PU
P = PU F O R X X Cr
1.0
P
PU
= 0 .5 ( YY ) 0 . 387
C
0.5
P
PU
= FS + (1 FS ) X
X Cr
0.0
1 6 20 Y
RATIO OF DEFLECTION,
YC
Figure 4.6 ONeills Integrated Method for Clay (b) Static Loading Case

4.2.4 Matlock's Soft Clay Below Water Table
SOIL=4 is Matlock's (1970) p-y representation of soft clays below the water table. The p-y curves for
both the static and cyclic response are shown below. The user must supply the soil's unit weight, ,
undrained strength, c, and the strain, 50 at 50% of the failure stress in an unconfined compression test. A
complete description of the curves is given in the FHWA's COM624 manual, as well as recommended
soil values.
1.0
1/ 3
p y
P = 0.5
PU 0.5 pu y 50
0.0
1.0 8.0 y
y 50
Figure 4.7 a) P-Y Curve for Soft Clay Below Water Surface (Static Loading)
1.0
For x xr, (depth where flow around
failure governs)
0.72
P
PU
0.5
0.72 XX
r
0.0
1 3 y 15
y 50

Figure 4.7 b) P-Y Curve for Soft Clay Below Water Surface (Cyclic Loading)
4.2.5 Reese's Stiff Clay Below Water Table
SOIL=5 is Reese et al. (1975) p-y model for stiff clays located below the water table. The p-y curves for
both the static and cyclic response are shown below. The user must supply the soil's subgrade modulus,
k, unit weight, , undrained strength, c, the strain, 50 at 50% of the failure stress in an unconfined
compression test, and the average undrained strength cavg for the whole clay layer. A complete description
of the curves is given in the FHWA's COM624 manual, as well as recommended values if no triaxial tests
are performed.
0 .25
y 0 .45 y p
p = A c p c (1 0 .45 y p
)
Ac pc
CYCLIC
Soil Resistance, p ( l b / in )
0.085pc
Esc = y50
Esi = k cx
y p = 4 .1 A c y 5 0
y 50 = 50 b
0.45 yp 0.6 yp 1.8 yp Deflection, y ( in )
Figure 4.8 Reese et al (1975) Cyclic P-Y Curve for Stiff Clay Located Below the Water Level

S TATIC
y
P = 0 .5 P c ( y ) 0 . 5
Soil Resistance, p (lb/in.)

50
y A s y 50 1 . 25
P offset = 0 .055 p c ( A s y 50
)
0.5Pc
0 .0625 p c
E ss =
y 50
Esi = k s x
0 Asy50 y50 6Asy50 18Asy50

Deflection, y (in.)
Figure 4.9 Reese et al (1975) Static P-Y Curve for Stiff Clay Located Below the Water Table
4.2.6 Reese and Welch's Stiff Clay Above Water Table
SOIL=6 is Reese and Welch's (1975) p-y model for stiff clays above the water table. The p-y curves for
both the static and cyclic response are shown below. The user must supply the soil's unit weight, ,
undrained strength, c, the strain, 50 at 50% of the failure stress in an unconfined compression test, and the
average undrained strength cavg for the whole clay layer. Since this model is a function of the number of
load cycles, the variable, KCYC on line 7 of the input is used. A complete description of the curves is
given in the FHWA's COM624 manual, as well as recommended values if no triaxial tests are performed.

p = pu
pu
p y 1
= 0.5( s ) 4
pu y 50
ys 16 y50
Figure 4.10 a) Welch and Reese (1972) Static P-Y Curve for Stiff Clay Above Water Table
pu
N1
N2 N3
yc = ys + y50 . C . logN3
yc 16 y50 16 y50 16 y50

+ + +
9.6 (y50 ) logN1 9.6 (y50 ) logN2 9.6 (y50 ) logN3
Figure 4.10 b) Welch and Reese (1972) Cyclic P-Y Curve for Stiff Clay Above Water Table
4.2.7 User Defined
See the section labeled User defined P-Y data of soil information of the input file.

4.3 AXIAL SOIL-PILE INTERACTION
Axial pile capacity is comprised of side friction and tip resistance. Respective component forces
are obtained from the following curves:
4.3.1 Axial T-Z Curve for Side Friction
Axial T-Z curves for modeling the soil-pile interaction are categorized for the following cases:
4.3.1.1 Driven Piles
The axial T-Z curves used in modeling the pile-soil interaction along the length of the driven pile
is shown in following figure (McVay, 1989) and given as
o ro ( rm ) ( rm ro )
Z= ln +
Gi ( ro ) ( rm )( ro )
where
r
= o o
f
At a particular location on the pile/shaft, 0 is the shear stress being transferred to the soil for a
given z displacement, where r0 is the radius of the pile/shaft and rm is the radius out from the pile/shaft
were axial loading effects on soil are negligible, assumed equal to pile length times (1- soil's Poisson's
ratio) times the ratio of the soil's shear modulus at the pile's center to the value at its tip. The user must
supply Gi, the initial shear modulus of soil, , Poisson's ratio of soil, and f, the maximum shear stress
between the pile and soil at the depth in question. Evident from the equation above, the side springs are
highly nonlinear.

Figure 4.11 Axial T-Z Curve for Pile/Shaft
4.3.1.2 Drilled and Cast Insitu Piles/Shafts
The t-z curves used for drilled and cast insitu piles/shafts are based in the recommendations found
in FHWA (1988). They are based in the trend lines and are computed for each node. Trend lines of stress
transfer for axial end bearing and side resistance are provided for the following materials:
4.3.1.2.1 Sand
Valid for 30
f sz = K 'z tan = 'z 2.0 tsf (1915

. kPa )
= 15
. 0135
. z( ft )
0.25 < 12
.
valid for depths ranging from 5 to 87.5 ft (1.5 to 26.7 m)
The immediate settlements are computed using non-linear t-z springs, with the shape presented in Figure
4.12. The equations are provided but it should be noted that there is a considerable scatter around the
trend line.
Side friction mobilization (trendline)

fs/fsmax = -2.16*R4+6.34*R3-7.36*R2+4.15*R for R 0.908333
fs/fsmax = 0.978112 for R > 0.908333
y3
where R= * 100
D
Load Transfer in Drilled

Trend Lines for Sand for Side Friction
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
Markers: FHWA (1988)
Lines: DEEP.
0.2
0.0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Settlement / Diameter (%)
Figure 4.12 Load Transfer in Drilled Shafts in Sand
4.3.1.2.2 Clay
f sz = z c u 2.75 tsf (263 kPa ) unless tests prove otherwise
From ground surface to depth of 5 ft (1.5 m) =0

Bottom 1x diameter of drilled shaft or 1x stem diameter above top of bell =0
All other points along the sides of the drilled shaft = 0.55
The immediate settlements are computed using non-linear t-z springs, with the shape presented in Figure
4.13. The equations are provided but it should be noted that there is a considerable scatter around these
trend lines.

Side friction mobilization (trendline)
fs/fsmax = 0.593157*R/0.12 for R 0.12
fs/fsmax = R/(0.095155+0.892937*R) for R 0.74
fs/fsmax = 0.978929-0.115817*(R-0.74) for R 2.0
fs/fsmax = 0.833 for R > 2.0
where
y3
R= * 100
D

Trend Lines for Clay for Side Friction
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
Lines: DEEP.
0.2
0.0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Figure 4.13 Load Transfer in Drilled Shafts in Clay
4.3.1.2.3 Intermediate Geomaterial
The design of drilled shafts founded in intermediate Geomaterials is directly from FHWAs
Load Transfer for Drilled Shafts in Intermediate Geomaterials, Publication No. FHWA-RD-95-172.
Intermediate Geomaterials are characterized as one of the following 3 Types:

1. (Type 1) Argillaceous geomaterials: Heavily overconsolidated clay,
clay shale, saprolite and mudstone.
2. (Type 2) Calcareous Rock: Limestone and Limerock
3. (Type 3) Very Dense Granular Geomaterials: residual, completely decomposed

rock, and glacial till.
Note:
Types 1 and 2 are considered to be cohesive materials with an undrained strength, qu in the range of 0.5
to 5.0 Mpa.
Type 3 is primarily cohesionless and has Nspt from 50 to 100
Method 1 proposed by FHWAs Load Transfer for Drilled Shafts in Intermediate Geomaterials, for
Type 1 and 2 materials has been coded herein.
Valid for IGM Type 1 and 2; 0.5 < qu < 5.0 Mpa; Recovery > 50 %;
Appropriate for very short sockets (L/D <2) or very long sockets (L/D>20);
Where there is strong layering in the formation, or where part of the socket is artificially roughened
and part is smooth
Required Data:
Number of Layers
Type of surface (rough or smooth)
qu (Mpa)
core recovery (%)
, unit weight
Mass Modulus - Em
Thickness
drilled shaft diameter
Youngs modulus of drilled shaft
unit weight of concrete in drilled shaft
pumping rate of concrete placement
4.3.1.3 User Defined
See the section labeled user defined t-z data of soil information of the input file.
4.3.2 Axial T-Z (Q-Z) Curve for Tip Resistance
Axial Q-Z curves for tip resistance are categorized for the following cases:

4.3.2.1 Driven Piles
The nonlinear pile/shaft's tip spring, i.e. Q-Z curve for driven pile is shown in the following figure
and given as (McVay 1989):
Q b ( 1 )
z= 2
Q
4 r0 G i 1 b
Qf
where Qf is the ultimate tip resistance (force), Gi and are the initial shear modulus and Poisson's ratio of
the soil at the pile tip. r0 is again the radius of the pile/shaft, and Qb is the mobilized tip resistance.
Figure 4.14 Axial T-Z (Q-Z) Curve for Driven Pile
4.3.2.2 Drilled and Cast Insitu Piles/Shafts
The Q-Z curves used for drilled and cast insitu piles/shafts are based on the recommendations found
in FHWA (1988). They are based on the trend lines and are computed for each node. Trend lines of stress
transfer for axial end bearing and side resistance are provided for the following materials:

4.3.2.2.1 Sand
Valid for NSPT > 10

NSPT qb qb
(uncorrected) (tsf) (kPa)
0 - 75 0.60 NSPT 57.5 NSPT
> 75 45 4300
50 127
.
if Bb > 50 in (1.27 m): q br = qb = q
B b (in) B b ( m) b
The immediate settlements are computed using non-linear Q-Z springs, with the shape presented in Figure
4.15 shown below. The equation is provided but it should be noted that there is considerable scatter
around the trend line.
End bearing mobilization (trendline)

qb/qbmax = -0.0001079* R4+0.0035584* R3-0.045115* R2+0.34861*R

Trend Lines for Sand for End Bearing
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4 Markers: FHWA (1988)

Lines: DEEP.
0.2
0.0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Figure 4.15 Load Transfer in Drilled Shafts with Sand End Bearing

4.3.2.2.2 Clay
q b = N c c ub 40 tsf (383
. MPa ) unless tests prove otherwise
L
N c = 61 + 0.2 9
Bb
where cu = average undrained shear strength of the clay (computed 1 to 2 diameters below the shaft)
for Bb > 75 in (1.90 m) q br = Fr q b
2.5 L
Fr = 10
. a = 0.0071 + 0.0021 0.015
[a B b (in) + 2.5b ] Bb
b = 0.45 c u ( ksf ) 0.5 b 15

.
Immediate Settlements (trendline)
The reference curve is presented in Figure 4.16. The marks represent the values proposed by FHWA
(1988) and the solid line is the adopted curve. It should be observed that considerable scatter is present
around the curve.
Reference curve (trendline)
qb/qbmax = 1.1823E-4*R5-3.7091E-3* R4+4.4944E-2* R3-0.26537* R2+0.78436*R

for R 6.5
qb/qbmax = 0.98 for R > 6.5

Trend Line for Clay for End Bearing
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
Lines: DEEP.
0.2
0.0
0 2 4 6 8 10
Figure 4.16 Load Transfer in Drilled Shafts with Clay End Bearing

4.3.2.2.3 Intermediate Geomaterial
The design of drilled shafts founded in intermediate Geomaterials is directly from FHWAs Load
Transfer for Drilled Shafts in Intermediate Geomaterials, Publication No. FHWA-RD-95-172.
Intermediate Geomaterials are characterized as one of the following 3 Types:
1. (Type 1) Argillaceous geomaterials: Heavily overconsolidated clay,

clay shale, saprolite and mudstone.
2. (Type 2) Calcareous Rock: Limestone and Limerock
3. (Type 3) Very Dense Granular Geomaterials: residual, completely decomposed

rock, and glacial till.
Note:
Types 1 and 2 are considered to be cohesive materials with an undrained strength, qu in the range of 0.5
to 5.0 Mpa.
Type 3 is primarily cohesionless and has Nspt from 50 to 100
Method 1 proposed by FHWAs Load Transfer for Drilled Shafts in Intermediate Geomaterials, for
Type 1 and 2 materials has been coded herein.
Valid for IGM Type 1 and 2; 0.5 < qu < 5.0 Mpa; Recovery > 50 %;
Appropriate for very short sockets (L/D <2) or very long sockets (L/D>20);
Where there is strong layering in the formation, or where part of the socket is artificially roughened
and part is smooth
Required Data:
Number of Layers
Type of surface (rough or smooth)
qu (Mpa)
core recovery (%)
, unit weight
Mass Modulus - Em
Thickness
drilled shaft diameter
Youngs modulus of drilled shaft
unit weight of concrete in drilled shaft
pumping rate of concrete placement
slump of concrete in drilled shaft

4.3.2.3 User Defined
See the section labeled user defined q-z data of soil information of the input file.
4.4 TORSIONAL SOIL-PILE INTERACTION
The torsional stiffness of a pile embedded in soil is modeled using T- springs, where T is the
torque applied to the pile and is the angle of twist, in radians. The springs are located at the nodal
points. T- springs can be represented by any of the following ways:
4.4.1 Hyperbolic Curve
The non-linear T- behavior of the soil is modeled using an hyperbolic curve, with initial slope as
a function of the shear modulus G. The ultimate value is based on the ultimate shear stress at the contact
pile/soil.
T (F*L)
Tult
(rad)
Figure 4.17 Hyperbolic representation of T- curve
For a length of pile L, the torque is given by
T = 2 r02 0 L
where:
r0 = radius of the pile
0 = shear stress along L

For a long rigid pile embedded in a soil with shear modulus G, Randolph (1981) deduced the expression
for the torque per unit length
T
= 4 G r02
L
This expression does not consider the pile tip stiffness. For a long pile the tip contribution may be
considered negligible.
Using an hyperbolic curve defined by

T=
a + b
where the coefficients a and b are given by
1 dT
= initial slope = = 4 r02 G i L
a d i
1
= Tult = 2 r02 ult L
b
The ultimate shear stress can be obtained with the same procedures as for axial skin friction. As for the
initial shear modulus, it should be determined from in-situ tests.
4.4.2 User Defined
See the section labeled User defined T- data of soil information of the input file.
References
1. Randolph, M.F., Piles Subjected to Torsion, Journal of the Geotechnical Division, ASCE, Vol. 107,
No. GT8, August, 1981, pp. 1095-1111
2. Stoll, U.W., Torque Shear Test of Cylindrical Friction Piles, Civil Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 42,
No. 4, April., 1972, pp.63-64

CHAPTER 5 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS THEORY
5.1 NONLINEAR BEHAVIOR
The discrete element is used to model the nonlinear behavior of the piles in FB-Pier. The discrete
element models the nonlinear material and geometric behavior of the piles. The nonlinear material
behavior is modeled by using input or default stress strain curves which are integrated over the cross-
section of the piles. The nonlinear geometric behavior is modeled using the P-delta moments (moments of
the axial force times the displacements of one end of element to another) on the discrete element. And
since the user subdivides the pile into a number of sub-elements, the P-y moments (moments of axial
force times internal displacements within members due to bending) are also modeled.
5.2 DISCRETE ELEMENT MODEL
The discrete element model (Mitchell 1973 and Andrade 1995) can be represented as a
mechanical model as shown in Figure 5.1. The center bar can both twist and extend but is otherwise
rigid. The center bar is connected by two universal joints to two rigid end blocks. The universal joints
permit bending at the quarter points about the y and z axes Discrete deformational angle changes 1, 2,
3, 4 occur corresponding to the bending moments M2, M1, M4, M3 , respectively. A discrete axial
shortening corresponds to the axial thrust T and the torsional angle 5 corresponds to the torsional
moment in the center bar M5.

y y
h h h
2 2
53
w1
2
w8 s
51
w1 1
w6
n
w w7
2
x z
Side View End Vie w
h h
h
2 2
x
w9
54 w1
w1 0
1
w3
2 f5 f1
52
1
f2 f8
f4 f1 f 7 f1
w4 Top View 0
w5 f9
f3
f1
f6 2
Figure 5.1 Discrete Element Model
5.2.1 Element Deformation Relations
In Figure 5.1, w1 - w3 and w7 - w9 represent displacements in the x, y and z directions at the left
and right ends respectively, w4 and w10 represent axial twists (twists about the x -axis) at the left and right
ends, respectively, and w5-w6 and w11- w12 represent the angles at the left and right end blocks about the x
and z axes, respectively. Based on a small displacement geometric analysis:
h
n = w 3 w 9 ( w 5 + w 11 )
2
h
s = w 8 w 2 ( w 6 + w 12 )
2
The elongation of the center section of the element is calculated as follows:

= w 7 w1
The angle changes for the center section about the z and y axes are then defined below:
s w 8 w 2 ( w 6 + w 12 )
1 = =
h h 2
n w 3 w 9 ( w 5 + w 11 )
2 = =
h h 2
The discretized vertical and horizontal angle changes at the two universal joints are then:
1 = 1 w 6 ; 2 = w 5 2
3 = w 12 1 ; 4 = 2 w 11
and the twist in the center part of the element is defined as:
5 = w 10 w 4
Thus, the internal deformations of the discrete element model are uniquely defined for any combination
of element end displacements.
The curvature for small displacements at the left and right universal joints about the y and the z axes are
defined as follow :
At the left joint,
1 2
1 = ; 2 =
h h
At the right joint,
3 4
3 = ; 4 =
h h
The axial strain at the center of the section is given by:

c =
2h

5.2.2 Integration of Stresses
Consider a beam subjected to both bending and axial loads. It is assumed that the strains vary
linearly over the area of the cross-section. This assumption enables the strain components due to bending
about the z and y axes, and the axial strain, to be separated or combined using superposition. Examples
of these three components are represented separately in Figures 5.2 (a-c) and combined in Fig. 5.2 d. Also
shown in figure 5.2 d is a differential force, dFi, acting on a differential area, dAi. Finally, Figure 5.2 e
represents the stress-strain relationship for the material.
N2
N1
a) Strain due to b) Strain due to c) Strain due to

z-axis bending y-axis bending axial thrust
Fi x
dAi
, dFi
, i
e) Stress-strain relationship
d) Combined strains
Figure 5.2 Linear Strain Distribution over Square Cross-Section
Then

dFi = i dA i
And, to satisfy equilibrium :
M Z = A dFi Yi = A i Yi dA
M Y = A dFi Z i = A i Z i dA
T = A dFi = A i dA
The relationship for strain at any point in the cross-section is:
= c 1 Y 2 Z
The stress at any location in the section is found using the appropriate material stress-strain curve
described subsequently.
Numerical integration of equations is done using Gaussian Quadrature. To use the method of
Gaussian Quadrature, the function being integrated must be evaluated at those points specified by the
position factors. These values are then multiplied by the appropriate weighting factors and the products
accumulated. Figure 5.3 a shows a square section with 25 integration points (a 5x5 mesh). The number of
defaults integration points for square pile is set at 49 (a 7 by 7 mesh). Users may change this to a NPTS x
NPTS mesh by inserting a value for NPTS as the last input item in data line 6A. For circular sections, the
section is divided into circular sections (12 radial divisions and 5 circumferential divisions as shown in
Figure 5.3 b. The sections are integrated at the centroid of each sector using weighting factors of 1.0. The
stress in all steel bars is evaluated at the centroid and a weighting factor of 1 is used for each bar.

a) Cross Section of square pile showing integration points
b) Circular pile cross section showing steel rebars
Figure 5.3 Rectangular and Circular Section Integration Divisions

When a circular void is encountered in a square section, the force is first computed on the un-
voided section and then the force that would be acting on the voided circular area is computed and
subtracted from the force computed for the non-void section. Circular sections with voids are divided into
sectors omitting the voided portion.
Even for nonlinear material analysis, the torsional moment M5 is assumed to be a linear function
of the angle of twist, 5. and the torsional stiffness GJ, where J is the torsional constant and G is the shear
modulus as shown next
5
M5 = G J
2h
5.2.3 Element End Forces
From equilibrium of the center bar (see Figure 5.1):
M4 M2
V1 = T 1
h
M M3
V2 = 1 T 2
h
And from equilibrium of the end bars :
f1 = T; f 2 = V1 ; f 3 = V2 ; f 4 = M 5
h h h h
f5 = M 1 + V2 + T w 5 ; f 6 = M 2 + V1 + T w 6
2 2 2 2
f 7 = T; f8 = V1 ; f 9 = V2 ; f10 = M 5
h h h h
f11 = M 3 + V2 + T w 11 ; f12 = M 4 + V1 + T w 12
2 2 2 2
where f1- f3 and f7 - f9 are the acting end forces, and f4 - f6 and f10 - f 12 are the end moments.

5.2.4 Element Stiffness
Using the standard definition, the stiffness of an element having n degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) is a
square matrix [K] of order n in which Kij is the force necessary in the i-th d.o.f. to produce a unit
deflection of the j-th d.o.f. The secant stiffness computed is the stiffness that the members would have if
each of the integration points had the secant stiffness defined by dividing the present stress by the present
strain as shown in the following figure.
Ei+1
i
Figure 5.4 Secant Stiffness for Nonlinear Stress-Strain
During the iteration process the element stiffness matrix is reevaluated in each new deformed
position. For each iteration, initially the secant stiffness is stored at all integration points within an
element. Then on 12 subsequent passes a unit displacement is applied to each element degree of freedom
in turn keeping all other displacements as zero and the forces corresponding to that unit displacement are
calculated by integrating the stresses over the cross-section of the element as described earlier. The
previously stored secant moduli at each of the Gaussian integration points are used in this integration of
stresses. The element end forces thus computed will be the nth column of the stiffness matrix
corresponding to a case where the nth degree of freedom has a unit displacement imposed , all other
displacements being held to zero.

5.2.5 Stress-Strain Curves
The user may define their own stress strain curves for concrete and steel or use the default values
described below:
5.2.5.1 Concrete
The figure below shows the default value of stress-strain curve supplied by the program and is a
function of f'c and Ec input by the user. The compression portion of the concrete curve is highly non-
linear and is defined by the Modified Hogenstead parabola and straight line as shown in the figure. For
the tension portion the curve is assumed linear up to a stress of fr and then has a tension softening portion
as shown. The tension softening portion attempts to account for the uncracked sections between cracks
where the concrete still carries some stress. The value of fr is based on the fixed value of er shown in the
figure and the modulus of elasticity Ec input by the user. For English units this will give a value of fr of
7.5f'c.
fc
u = 0.0038
fr
0.5fr
c
u 2 f r stf 0.002
0 = c
Ec
r = (7.5/57000) = 0.000131578
Straight Line stf = 0.0003
Ec
0.85f c
1
f c = 0.85f c
2
f c = f c2
o o
Figure 5.5 Default Stress-Strain Curve for Concrete

5.2.5.2 Mild Steel
For mild steel reinforcement the stress-strain relationship is assumed to be elastic-plastic and
similar in both tension and compression. A yield strain ey is computed based on the yield stress, fy and the
modulus of elasticity input Es,
fy
y =
Es
The default relations for the mild steel stress-strain curve are given by,
fs = f y y
fs = E s y < < y
fs = f y y
The default stress -strain curve generated for steel with f'y=60 ksi and Ec=29600 ksi is shown in the figure
below.
60
40
20
-20
-40
-60
-0.05 -0.04 -0.03 -0.02 -0.01 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05
Strain
Figure 5.6 Mild Steel Stress-Strain Curve for Fy = 60 ksi

5.2.5.3 High Strength Prestressing Steels
The figure in mild steel shows reinforcing as rebars. However, the user may select high strength
reinforcing strands as well as rebars. The stress-strain curves for prestressing steels generally do not have
a definite yield point as illustrated by the curve for fsu = 270 ksi in the figure below. The most common
values of fsu used in prestressing practice are fsu = 250 ksi and 270 ksi. For these two input values when
using standard (English) Units, the curves defined by the PCI design handbook (PCI 1992) will be used.
For other strengths or when using nonstandard units, the default curves will be obtained by using
nondimesional equations based on curve fitting the two cited curves. These curves are not recommended
for use for values of fsu much different than the standard values.
300
200
100
-100
-200
-300
-0.05 -0.04 -0.03 -0.02 -0.01 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05
Strain
Figure 5.7 Prestressing Steel Stress-strain Curve for fsu = 270 ksi

5.2.5.4 Adjustment for Prestressing
When piles are prestressed prior to installation, there are stresses and strains existing at the time of
installation cue to the prestressing. the program shifts the origin of the stress-strain curve for the steel by
the amount of the prestressing stress in the steel and the corresponding steel strain. also, the program
shifts the origin of the concrete stress-strain curve by the amount of compression in the concrete and the
corresponding concrete strain. it is assumed that the prestressing is symmetrically placed and thus only a
constant compressive stress is developed in the concrete due to the prestressing.
5.2.6 Nonlinear Solution Strategies
A program such as FB-Pier that considers the nonlinear response of the soil and piles can be used
to provide some very good models of physical behavior. However, the use of nonlinear analysis programs
implies that the user understand the nonlinear models very thoroughly. The nonlinear models are
described in the program documentation and it is assumed that the user is familiar with these. However,
the user should also understand that the use of the nonlinear characteristics of the program may cause the
program to be unable to converge on a solution for a particular loading and that in some cases described
later, nonlinear programs may converge on a mathematical solution that isnt physically reasonable.
A novice user may then be tempted to say that one should stick to linear programs and avoid such
difficulty. However, the counter argument can be made that a linear analysis will almost always find a
solution even if the user puts in a totally unreasonable loading.
For the sake of discussion, assume that a relatively simple structure is being modeled by FB-Pier,
perhaps even a single pile cap with one or two piles with some vertical load applied which is held
constant and then a lateral load is applied gradually. Several different scenarios of lateral load versus
lateral displacement are possible as shown in Figure 5.8.

Force/Load
d
b c
Displacement
Figure 5.8 Different Types of Load Displacement Response
The most desirable nonlinear response of the structure is shown as case 1. The load displacement
response starts to soften at about point a or b, reaches a peak load at c and has an essentially flat top that
show very good ductility. This is typical of a failure due is primarily due to yielding of the structure at
several locations in the piles possibly combined with similar action in some of the supporting soil layers.
However, if the user should put in a load above that corresponding to point c, it is obvious that a solution
will not be found. Likewise if a load near c is tried, it is possible that the solution will be very slow to
converge and may fail if a large number of iterations are not allowed.
This failure to converge can be avoided by doing a preliminary linear pile analysis and then
checking the strength ratios of the pile to see if they are all less than 1. However, the capacities of the
soils springs should be considered as well. It should also be noted that solutions may be found where the
pile strength ratios are greater than 1.0. This is primarily because the analysis program does not use
capacity reduction factors as are used in generating the strength ratios.
The response indicated by case 2 is not as good as shown in case 1. The difference is that some
element in the soil or the pile has a very limited ductility and causes the collapse of the structure before
sufficient ductility is obtained. As examples, a section of the pile could be a way under reinforced and fail
when cracking or a section could be very over reinforced and fail when the concrete fails in compression
without adequate yielding of the steel. Numerous other causes are possible such as premature shear
failure and the designer must insure that these failure modes do not prevent adequate ductile response,

since they are not considered in the analysis. As in the type 1 response the user may encounter difficulties
when trying to apply loads near the level of the capacity.
Suppose the designer wants to demonstrate that the behavior is indeed type 1 versus type 2. A
push over analysis could be done and this requires a displacement controlled solution. A large spring
would be placed at the node where the lateral load is applied and then a series of large loads would be
applied. The spring would take the larger amount of the load but by properly choosing the spring stiffness
and load, the displacements could be controlled and the load absorbed by the structure could be found and
the pushover results plotted.
In rare instances the response of a structure may be like that shown as case 3. Here at a load near
d the curve flattens and may even decrease. However, for increasingly large displacements the load may
start to rise again. It will be very difficult to obtain converged solutions for loads near d. However, if a
much larger load is applied a solution may be found on the curve well above d. This type of behavior
generally occurs when some type of local failure occurs. If the structure has sufficient ductility it may
then be able to find a new path to distribute the forces and carry some additional load, albeit with a
considerable reduction in stiffness. An example of this type of behavior is when the gravity loading is
small and because of a large lateral load a pull out occurs on one of the piles. The question then arises,
should the design based on the post pull out behavior be used?
Clearly the use of nonlinear analysis program does not remove the responsibility of the designer
to monitor the local responses of the structure. Fortunately the program outputs detailed information
about the behavior of the soil and pile that can and must be reviewed before a structure can be said to be
adequate.
Finally, case 4 in which the structure appears to move against the loads must be considered. For
very slender structures with very large gravity loading, the stiffness of the structure will go negative when
the elastic buckling loading of the structure is exceeded. Again this is a rare case and would almost never
happen for a designer evaluating a real structure. However, someone trying the program out with arbitrary
dimensions and loads might create such a condition and then be disturbed that the program is giving
obvious unreasonable results. A linear analysis program would of course produce even more possibly
dangerous results, it would indicate a positive displacement which would then not give any indication that
something was wrong with the structure.

CHAPTER 6 SUGGESTED INSITU SOIL PARAMETERS
6.1 SOIL PROPERTIES
Following are the important soil properties required as input parameters.

Young's Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Shear Modulus
Angle of Internal Friction
Undrained Strength
Subgrade Modulus
Water Table
6.1.1 Shear Modulus
The shear modulus, G of soils, is a function of soil type, past loading, and geological history. It
is recommended that G be obtained from insitu tests such as dilatometer, CPT and SPT.
G can be computed from Young's Modulus, E and Poisson's ratio, , from the following correlation:
E
G =
2(1 + )
In the case of no insitu data is available the following guide is provided:
G= 0.5 * k * z / (1+RNU) for sand

= 50 * Cu / (1+RNU) for clay
where
k= soil modulus (F/L3)

z= depth below ground surface (L)
Cu = undrained shear strength (F/L2)
or a spatial average, for the values of GM should be used for any
soil profile.

6.1.2 Young's Modulus
The following recommendation is given by Kulhways and Mayne (1990) for Young's Modulus,
E, for sands:
Normally Consolidated Clean Sands:
E (psf) = 20,000 N60
Over Consolidated Clean Sands:
E (psf) = 30,000 N60
Sand with fines:
E (psf) = 10,000 N60
where N60 is the corrected SPT blow count.
6.1.3 Poisson's Ratio
The following typical values may be used for the Poisson's ratio RNU for soils:
RNU = 0.2 to 0.3 for sand

= 0.4 to 0.5 for clay
or a spatial average, for the values of RNU over depth may be used for
soils consisting of both sand and clay.
6.1.4 Angle of Internal Friction
Angle of internal friction, ', can be computed from SPT N values using the following empirical
correlation:
N 4 10 30 50
25-30 27-32 30-35 35-40 38-43
N' = CN N
Where
CN = correction for overburden pressure

FHWA 96 uses the correction by Peck, et al. (1974):
20 19152 .
C N = 0.77 log 10 = 0.77 log 10
' v ( tsf ) ' v ( kPa)
valid only for v 0.25 tsf (24 kPa) (Bowles, 1977)
Normalizing for atmospheric pressure (pa): (1 atm = 101.3 kPa = 1.06 tsf )
pa
C N = 0.77 log 10 20
' v
Larger values should be used for granular material with 5% or less of fine sand and silt.
For numerical implementation, the average correlation can be expressed as
= a N + b
where
N a b
0 - 10 0.50 27.5
10 - 30 0.25 30.0
30 - 50 0.15 33.0
50 - 0 40.5
6.1.5 Undrained Strength
Estimates of undrained shear strength, cu can be made using the correlations of qu with SPT N-
values (see the figure below).
qu
cu =
2
qu = unconfined compressive strength

30
Sower's:
Clay of low plasticity and
25
clayey silt
SPT Blow Count, N
20
Terzaghi & Peck
15
10
5 Clay of high plasticity

Clay of medium plasticity
0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Unconfined Compressive Strength, qu (tsf)
Figure 6.1 Correlations between SPT N-value and Unconfined Compressive Strength
6.1.6 Subgrade Modulus
Subgrade modulus, k (F/L3) of cohesionless soil can be estimated from empirical correlations. For
sand, use SPT N-value to find and to find k.
6.1.7 Water Table
The user has the option of specifying a water table for each soil layer. The latter may be used to
model flowing water, perched water or continuous static water. Each soil layer must have a water table
associated with it in order to compute effective stresses. In the case where the total stress is equal to the
effective stress (i.e. no pore pressure), the user needs to place the water table for the layer at or below the
layers bottom boundary, i.e. specify a water elevation at or below the bottom of the layer.

CHAPTER 7 PROGRAM USAGE GUIDE
7.1 DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM MENUS
The general control of the FB-Pier program can be found in the menus at top of the screen. A
description of each menu item follows.
7.1.1 File Menu
The File menu handles the problem creation, file access, printing, and exiting the program.
Create a new problem

Open an existing problem
Close current problem
Save current problem
Save current problem as different name
Prints the active window
Access the printer setup
Previously opened files
Exit the program
7.1.2 View Menu
The View menu controls the appearance of the toolbar at the top of the screen and the status bar
at the bottom of the screen.

Show/hide toolbar
Show/hide status bar
Show/hide 3D control (zoom) bar
7.1.3 Control Menu
The Control menu allows the user to access the output data from the program, enable multiple
water tables, and control the appearance of the fonts used in the dialogs, graphics, and plots.
View result data from analysis

Enable multiple water tables
Set font for dialogs

Set font for graphics
Set font for plots
Update the software license
7.1.4 Help Menu
The Help menu provides access to the online help manual. An about option is also provided to
list the version number of the program and current system settings.
Access help manual

Show program information

7.2 DESCRIPTION OF TOOLBAR ICONS
The buttons in the toolbar at the top of the screen control the access to different modules within
the program. Some of the menu items can also be accessing using the buttons instead for convenience.
The purpose of each button in the toolbar is described below.
Print active window

Save file
Open file
New problem
View 3D results
View structure interaction diagrams
View pile interaction diagrams
Plot structure forces
Plot pile forces
Run analysis
Edit model data
Load case toggle box
3D Control Bar (if activated)

Move view down
Move view right
Move view up
Move view left
Zoom out
Zoom in

7.3 DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM MODELING WINDOWS
The editing module of the main program is divided into 4 windows that are used to create and
display the model of the deep foundation. A description of each window follows.
7.3.1 Model Data Window
The Model Data window in the upper left portion of the screen is used for all of the data entry for
the problem. The data is entered in tabbed dialogs, which categorize the different aspects of the problem
modeling. The number of tabbed dialogs needed for data entry depends on the type of problem that is
modeled. If the information on a particular tab is not needed, a red X appears next to the tab title.
7.3.1.1 Problem Tab
The Problem tab is used to enter textual information about the project. This tab can also be used
to change the type of problem being modeled as well as the system of units.

7.3.1.2 Analysis Tab
The Analysis tab is used to set analysis parameters. These parameters include whether the pile
and pier behavior are linear or nonlinear, the number of iterations and iteration tolerance, the extent of the
output print, and various other parameters.
7.3.1.3 Pile Tab
The Pile tab is used to enter the pile and cap data. This data includes the pile spacing, the pile tip
elevation, the pile section type, and various other parameters.

7.3.1.4 Soil Tab
The Soil tab is used for entering the soil layer data. Various soil types and soil layer models are
available. The soil layer water table elevation data is also entered in this tab.
7.3.1.5 Pier (Wall) Tab
The Pier tab is used for entering the structural parameters for the pier. This tab is not used for the
Pile and Cap Only and Column Analysis problem types. Note that the tab title will be Wall Structure
for retaining wall and sound wall problems.

7.3.1.6 Members Tab
The Members tab is used for applying addition structural members to a pier. This option
provides the flexibility to model unique pier configurations.
7.3.1.7 Load Tab
The Load tab is used for applying loads to the foundation and structural nodes.

7.3.1.8 Springs Tab
The Springs tab is used for applying springs to any pile cap or pier node. The spring stiffness can
be applied in any of the six degrees of freedom.
7.3.1.9 Retaining Tab
The Retaining tab is only activated for retaining wall problems. The tab is used to enter
information specific to the wall structure, load, and soil retaining layers.

7.3.1.10 Pushover Tab
The Pushover tab is used to specify a loading increment for a static pushover analysis. The loads
applied to the structure will be incremented by this amount until the structure fails.
7.3.2 Soil Edit Window
The Soil Edit window shows an elevation view of the soil strata. Basic soil properties and color
codes are given for each layer.

7.3.3 Pile Edit Window
The Pile Edit window shows a plan view of the pile group. The geometry of the pile group can
be changed in this window.
7.3.4 3D View Window
The 3D View window shows a three-dimensional view of the problem that is being modeled.
The model can be viewed from any orientation in real time.

7.4 DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM RESULTS WINDOWS
The results module of the main program uses different windows to display the results of the
model analysis. A description of each window follows.
7.4.1 Pile Selection Window
The Pile Selection window is used to select piles for plotting force and interaction diagrams. For
force plots, multiple piles can be selected at one time. For interaction diagrams, only one pile can be
selected at a time.

7.4.2 Pier Selection Window
The Pier Selection window is very similar to the Pile Selection Window and is used to select
structural elements for plotting force and interaction diagrams. For force plots, multiple pier columns can
be selected at one time. For interaction diagrams, only one portion of the pier structure can be selected at
a time.
7.4.3 Plot Display Control Window
The Plot Display Control window is used to view any combination of force plots. The window
also provides information about the location and magnitude of the minimum and maximum forces.

7.4.4 Force Plot Window
The Force Plot window is used to view forces in either pile or structure components. A plot of
the axial force along the pile is shown as an example.
7.4.5 Segment Selection Window
The Segment Selection window is used to select a segment to view the interaction diagram. This
window is used for both pile and pier component interaction diagrams, provided that full cross-section
properties are specified for the segment.

7.4.6 Interaction Diagram Window
The Interaction Diagram window is used to view the interaction diagram for a pile or pier
component.

7.4.7 3D Display Window
The 3D Display window is used to control the type of 3D plot presented in the 3D Results
window. It is also used to view the nodal displacement results for a given load case.
7.4.8 3D Results Window
The 3D Results window is used to view the displaced shape of the model after loading.

7.5 STATUS BAR
The status bar is located at the bottom of the screen (if turned on from the Control menu). The status
bar provides information provides the current date and time.
7.6 ADDITIONAL PROGRAM ISSUES
There are several items concerning the usage of the program that are explained here for clarity.

7.6.1 Reopening a Window
If the user closes one or more of the four main windows while editing the problem, the windows
can be reopened at any time by clicking on the Model Edit button in the toolbar. This is also true for
windows that have been minimized and a hidden behind the other windows.
7.6.2 Changing Fonts
Because FB-Pier will run on machines with different display resolutions, graphics cards, and
graphics drivers, the fonts may need to be adjusted to suit the individual needs of the client. A common
situation that arises is the appearance of incomplete words in the tabbed dialogs. If this is the case, the
dialog font needs to be adjusted. The fonts can be changed with the Control menu. Once the font is set
for a particular user, the same font will be used the next time the program is run. The fonts can be
changed for the dialogs, graphics, and plots.
7.6.3 Changing p-y Multipliers
When adding pile rows to a problem, p-y multipliers need to be assigned to those rows. The
Group button in the Soil tab will bring up a dialog to assign the p-y multipliers to the rows. The Default
button can be used to set default p-y multipliers to all of the rows. P-y multipliers can also be set to 1.0 at
this point.
7.6.4 Pile Number and the Pile Edit Window
The Pile tab in the Properties window defines the number of pile grid locations in the x and y
direction to establish a pile grid. The actual piles on this grid are shown in the Pile Edit window. Since
FB-Pier allows for missing piles, the number of actual piles doesnt have to match the number of grid
points, but will always be less than or equal to the number of grid points.
7.6.5 Deleting Load Cases
FB-Pier currently does not allow the user to delete Load Case 1. This option forces the user to
have at least one load on the foundation and/or structure so that an analysis can be done.
APPENDIX A EXAMPLE PROBLEM INPUT FILES

The input files generated by FB-Pier are presented below for further study.
A.1 Example 1 Single Pile Problem
PROBLEM
opening...
FHWA
Pile and Cap Problem
01/12/01
Example 1
:
PRINT
L=1 M=1 D=1 O=1 S=1 P=1 T=1 F=1 C=1 B=1 I=1 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 1 D= 0 S= 0 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 0 T= 0 0 P= 2
I= 60 T= 1
:
PILE
S= 0 M= 0 NSEG= 1
C 0.760 M Square FDOT Standard prestressed
C T=1 D=2 U=1 : PreCast - nonlinear
K= 2 L= 19 M= 1 C= 41370 , 3.04414e+007 \
S= 0,1.86165e+006,0,0,0,1.96508e+008,0,0
W= 0.76 V= 0.457 N= 2 P= 0 S= 23.6 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
0.00010774 0.291 0.291 999775 N= 8 D= 2
0.00010774 0.291 -0.291 999775 N= 8 D= 2
0.00010774 0.291 0.2079 999775 N= 6 D= 3
0.00010774 -0.291 0.2079 999775 N= 6 D= 3
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 5 G= 0 C= 0
1 1 : NPX, NPY
1
1
:
SOIL
L= 2 C= 0 W= 0 O= 0 S= 0 : Nlayers,kcyc
32 16286 16 25 0 0 24132 0.3 34.5 3 \
4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=0,-3 B=0
32 16286 16 25 0 0 24132 0.3 34.5
35 27155 19 0 0 0 24132 0.3 55.2 17 \
2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=-3,-20 B=0
35 27155 19 0 0 0 24132 0.3 55.2
24132 0.35 2846.7 1 : soil tip stiffness info
:
LOAD
1 L= 1 F= 15 0 0 0 0 0
FB-PIER USERS MANUAL A-2

A.2 Example 2 General Pier Problem
PROBLEM
Default Pier Structure
Units are Kips and Inches
FHWA
General Pier Problem
01/13/01
Example 2
:
PRINT
L=0 M=0 D=1 O=1 S=0 P=1 T=0 F=1 C=1 B=0 I=1 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 0 D= 0 S= 0 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 0 T= 0 0 P= 3 F= 0
I= 50 T= 1
:
PILE
NSET= 1 S= 0 M= 0 NSEG= 1
C 54" Drilled Shaft
C T=2 D=2 U=0 : Drilled Shaft - nonlinear
K= 1 L= 80 M= 1 C= 5 , 4030 \
S= 60,0,0,0,29000,0,0,0
NL= 1 D= 54 V= 0 S= 150 TH= 0 IC= 0 T= 1 HPI= 0 : (round)
0 24 D= 48 A= 1 : prest, # bars, diam, area
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 5 G= 0 C= 0
5 4 : NPX, NPY
54 162 162 54
54 162 54
0.3 0.4 0.8
0.4 0.8
:
MISSING
14 : number of missing piles
1 1
2 1
3 1
4 1
5 1
1 2
5 2
1 3
5 3
1 4
2 4
3 4
4 4
5 4
:
(Continued on next page)

SOIL
35 150 120 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152 35 \
2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=-15,-50 B=0 S=0
35 150 120 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152
35 150 140 403200 0.01 0 3.5 0.3 1152 30 \
4 4 1 1 35 0 20 0.5 40320 \
E=-50,-80 B=0 S=2
35 150 140 403200 0.01 0 3.5 0.3 1152
3.5 0.35 300 4 : soil tip stiffness info
:
STRUCTURE
N= 2 S= 16.7 H= 30 O= 9.65 C= 5 B= 4, 3 W= 13.7 F= 3 A= 0, 0 \
T= 0, 0 R= 60, 0, 0 J= 3
C Custom
C T=1 D=1 U=0 : PreCast - linear
K= 2 L= 0 M= 1 C= 5 , 4200 \
S= 60,0,0,0,29000,0,0,0
W= 60 V= 0 B= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
1.56 -26 -26 0 N= 12 D= 3
1.56 -21.27 26 0 N= 10 D= 2
1.56 26 26 0 N= 12 D= 3
1.56 21.27 -26 0 N= 10 D= 2
C Custom
K= 2 L= 0 M= 1 C= 5 , 4200 \
S= 60,0,0,0,29000,0,0,0
W= 60 D= 48 V= 0 B= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (rectangular)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
1 -16 -26 0 N= 6 D= 2
1 -16 26 0 N= 6 D= 2
1.56 -21 26 0 N= 12 D= 3
1.56 21 26 0 N= 12 D= 3
C Custom
K= 2 L= 0 M= 1 C= 5 , 4200 \
S= 60,0,0,0,29000,0,0,0
W= 60 D= 48 V= 0 B= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (rectangular)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
1 -16 -26 0 N= 6 D= 2
1 -16 26 0 N= 6 D= 2
1.56 -21 26 0 N= 12 D= 3
1.56 21 26 0 N= 12 D= 3
:
CAP
E= 4400 U= 0.2 T= 10 S= 0
:

SPRING
1
89 S= 5000 0 0 0 0 0
:
LOAD
71 L= 1 F= 0 0 150 0 0 0
70 L= 1 F= 0 0 250 0 0 0
85 L= 1 F= 0 0 250 0 0 0
89 L= 1 F= 0 0 150 0 0 0
38 L= 1 F= 1000 0 0 0 0 0
:
SWFACT
1 F= 0 0
:
(End of Example 2)

A.3 Example 3 Retaining Wall Problem
PROBLEM
Default Retaining Wall File
FHWA
Retaining Wall Problem
01/13/01
Example 3
:
PRINT
L=0 M=0 D=0 O=0 S=0 P=0 T=0 F=0 C=0 B=0 I=0 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 0 D= 0 S= 0 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 0 T= 0 0 P= 3 F= 0
I= 50 T= 1
:
PILE
C 12x84 H-Pile
C T=0 D=2 U=0 : H-Pile - nonlinear
K= 3 L= 60 M= 1 C= 5 , 4030 \
S= 0,0,60,0,0,0,29000,0
OR= 2
D= 12.28 TW= 0.685 B= 12.295 TF= 0.685 S= 490
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 5 G= 0 C= 0
4 11 : NPX, NPY
48 49.18 48
48 36.885 36.885 36.885 36.885 36.885 36.885 36.885 36.885 48 \
0.4 0.8
0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.8
:
MISSING
1 1
2 1
3 1
4 1
1 2
4 2
1 3
4 3
1 4
4 4
1 5
4 5
1 6
4 6
1 7
4 7

1 8
4 8
1 9
4 9
1 10
4 10
1 11
2 11
3 11
4 11
:
SOIL
36 50 107 900 0.03 0.08 3.2 0.3 432 80 \
3 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=0,-80 B=0 S=1
36 50 107 900 0.03 0.08 3.2 0.3 540
50 0.3 6000 1 : soil tip stiffness info
:
RETAIN
N= 1 S= 20 H= 13.5 O= 6 C= 5 B= 2, 2 W= 0 F= 1 A= 0, 0 \
T= 0, 0 J= 1
C 12" Square FDOT Standard prestressed
L=60 E=4200 I=116640,2.0736e+007 J=200000 G=1800 \
A=4320 W=65.7267 S=0 K=2
O= 2 S= 3 L= 1
A= 90 S= 10 H= 3 G= 62.3981 Q= 5 , 4 , 500
T= 12 S= 5 P= 0 , 34 , 0 G= 110 , 120
L= 1
:
CAP
E= 4400 U= 0.2 T= 3 S= 0
:
LOAD
:
SWFACT
1 F= 0 0
:
(End of Example 3)

A.4 Example 4 High Mast Lighting Problem
PROBLEM
High Mast Default File
System is Kips/Inches
FHWA
Mast Arm Lighting Problem
01/12/01
Example 4
:
PRINT
L=0 M=1 D=1 O=0 S=1 P=1 T=0 F=0 C=0 B=0 I=1 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 0 D= 0 S= 0 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 1 T= 0 0 P= 1
I= 50 T= 1
:
PILE
C Custom Linear Round Section
C T=0 D=0 U=0 : H-Pile - linear
L=25 E=4400 I=27648,27648 J=50000 G=0 \
A=576 D=27.0815 S=0 K=1
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 5 G= 0 C= 0
1 1 : NPX, NPY
:
SOIL
35 150 119.923 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152 30 \
2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=0,-30 B=-30 S=0
35 150 119.923 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152
:
MAST
N= 1 S= 0 H= 8.3333 O= 0 C= 5 B= 0, 10 W= 10 F= 0 A= 0, 0 \
T= 0, 0 J= 1
C Custom Linear Square Section
L=10 E=29000 I=1728,1728 J=2400 G=11154 \
A=144 W=12 S=0 K=2
C Custom Linear Square Section
L=10 E=29000 I=1728,1728 J=2400 G=11154 \
A=144 W=12 S=0 K=2
LC= 0
LA= -0.167
:
LOAD
:

A.5 Example 5 Sound Wall Problem
PROBLEM
Default Sound Wall Problem
FHWA
Sound Wall Problem
01/12/01
Example 5
:
PRINT
L=0 M=0 D=0 O=0 S=0 P=0 T=0 F=0 C=0 B=0 I=0 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 0 D= 0 S= 0 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 0 T= 0 0 P= 3
I= 50 T= 1
:
PILE
K= 2 L= 25 M= 1 C= 6 , 4415 \
S= 0,270,0,0,0,28500,0,0
W= 12 V= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
0.115 2.5 2.5 145 N= 3 D= 2
0.115 2.5 -2.5 145 N= 3 D= 2
0.115 2.5 0 145 N= 1 D= 3
0.115 -2.5 0 145 N= 1 D= 3
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 5 G= 0 C= 0
2 2 : NPX, NPY
36
36
0 1
0 1
:
SOIL
36 50 114.048 0 0 0 1 0.3 432 41.667 \
2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=0,-41.667 B=-10 S=0
36 50 114.048 0 0 0 3.2 0.3 540
50 0.3 6000 1 : soil tip stiffness info
:
SOUND
N= 1 S= 4 H= 15 O= 1.5 C= 5 B= 2, 2 W= 0 F= 0 A= 0, 0 \
T= 0, 0 R= 12, 0, 0 J= 2
C Custom Rectangular Section with Properties
K= 2 L= 0 M= 1 C= 5 , 5500 \
S= 60,0,0,0,29000,0,0,0

W= 12 V= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
0.115 2.5 2.5 0 N= 3 D= 2
0.115 2.5 -2.5 0 N= 3 D= 2
0.115 2.5 0 0 N= 1 D= 3
0.115 -2.5 0 0 N= 1 D= 3
L= 50
:
CAP
E= 4400 U= 0.2 T= 4 S= 0
:
LOAD
:
SWFACT
:
(End of Example 5)

A.6 Example 6 Stiffness Formulation Problem
PROBLEM
Default Stiffness Structure
01/12/01
:
PRINT
L=0 M=0 D=1 O=0 S=0 P=1 T=0 F=1 C=1 B=0 I=1 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 0 D= 0 S= 1 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 0 T= 0 0 P= 2
I= 50 T= 1
:
PILE
C Custom Rectangular Section with Properties
K= 2 L= 80 M= 1 C= 6 , 4415 \
S= 0,270,0,0,0,28500,0,0
W= 24 V= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
0.167 9.5 9.5 145 N= 7 D= 2
0.167 9.5 -9.5 145 N= 7 D= 2
0.167 9.5 5.6666 145 N= 5 D= 3
0.167 -9.5 5.6666 145 N= 5 D= 3
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 9 G= 0 C= 0
5 5 : NPX, NPY
24 72 72 24
24 72 72 24
0.3 0.4 0.8
0.3 0.4 0.8
:
MISSING
1 1
2 1
3 1
4 1
5 1
1 2
5 2
1 3
5 3
1 4
5 4

1 5
2 5
3 5
4 5
5 5
:
SOIL
35 150 119.232 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152 70 \
2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=-30,-100 B=-30 S=0
35 150 119.232 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152
:
CAP
E= 4400 U= 0.2 T= 5.4167 S= 0
:
LOAD
82 L= 1 F= 123 12 100 1.9167 1 0.58333
:
SWFACT
1 F= 0 0
:
(End of Example 6)

A.7 Example 7 Multiple Pile Sets Problem
PROBLEM
opening...
FHWA
Pile and Cap Only - Retrofit
01/12/01
Example 7
:
PRINT
L=0 M=0 D=1 O=1 S=0 P=1 T=0 F=0 C=1 B=0 I=1 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 0 D= 0 S= 0 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 0 T= 0 0 P= 2
I= 60 T= 1
:
PILE
NSET= 2 S= 0 M= 0 NSEG= 1 1
K= 2 L= 60 M= 1 C= 6 , 4415 \
S= 0,270,0,0,0,28500,0,0
W= 24 V= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 150 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
0.167 9.5 9.5 145 N= 7 D= 2
0.167 9.5 -9.5 145 N= 7 D= 2
0.167 9.5 5.6666 145 N= 5 D= 3
0.167 -9.5 5.6666 145 N= 5 D= 3
C 30" Square FDOT Standard prestressed 2
K= 2 L= 80 M= 1 C= 5 , 5500 \
S= 0,270,0,0,0,28500,0,0
W= 30 V= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
0.167 11.5 11.5 150 N= 8 D= 2
0.167 11.5 -11.5 150 N= 8 D= 2
0.167 11.5 8.2143 150 N= 6 D= 3
0.167 -11.5 8.2143 150 N= 6 D= 3
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 5 G= 0 C= 0
7 7 : NPX, NPY
32 72 72 72 72 32
32 72 72 72 72 32
0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.8
0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.8
:
MISSING

1 1
2 1
3 1
4 1
5 1
6 1
7 1
1 2
7 2
1 3
7 3
1 4
7 4
1 5
7 5
1 6
7 6
1 7
2 7
3 7
4 7
5 7
6 7
7 7
:
SOIL
32 60 108.864 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 720 15 \
2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=0,-25 B=-25 S=0
32 60 108.864 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 720
35 150 119.232 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152 50 \
2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=-25,-90 B=-25 S=0
35 150 119.232 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152
:
PILESET
1 2
2 2
3 2
4 2
5 2
6 2
10 2
11 2
15 2
16 2
20 2
21 2
22 2
23 2
24 2
25 2
:

CAP
E= 4400 U= 0.2 T= 8 S= 0
:
LOAD
13 L= 1 F= 200 0 500 0 0 0
:
SWFACT
1 F= 0 0
:
(End of Example 7)

A.8 Example 8 Pile Bent Problem
PROBLEM
PILE BENT PROBLEM
UNITS ARE KIPS AND INCHES
FHWA
Pile Bent
1/12/01
Example 8
:
PRINT
L=1 M=0 D=1 O=0 S=0 P=1 T=1 F=1 C=1 B=0 I=1 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 0 D= 0 S= 0 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 1 T= 0 0 P= 2
I= 50 T= 1
:
PILE
K= 2 L= 75 M= 1 C= 5 , 5500 \
S= 0,270,0,0,0,28500,0,0
W= 14 V= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
0.167 3.5 3.5 150 N= 3 D= 2
0.167 3.5 -3.5 150 N= 3 D= 2
0.167 3.5 0 150 N= 1 D= 3
0.167 -3.5 0 150 N= 1 D= 3
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 5 G= 0 C= 0
9 1 : NPX, NPY
56 56 56 56 56 56 56 56
:
SOIL
35 150 119 0 0 0 3.5 0.3 1152 70 \
2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 \
E=-30,-100 B=-100 S=0
35 150 57.024 0 0 0 3.5 0.35 1152
:
BATTER
1 X= 0 Y= -0.2
2 X= 0 Y= 0.2
8 X= 0 Y= -0.2
9 X= 0 Y= 0.2
:

BENT
N= 9 S= 2.5 H= 0 O= 0 C= 3 B= 4, 4 W= 2.5 F= 1 A= 0, 0 \
P= 7, 5, 0 T= 0, 0 J= 1
C Linear Square Section
L=10 E=29000 I=1152,1152 J=2304 G=11154 \
A=452.16 W=21.2641 S=0 K=2
C Linear Square Section
L=10 E=29000 I=1152,1152 J=2304 G=11154 \
A=452.16 W=21.2641 S=0 K=2
:
:
LOAD
3 L= 1 F= 0 -30 0 0 0 0
5 L= 1 F= 0 -30 0 0 0 0
7 L= 1 F= 0 -30 0 0 0 0
:
SWFACT
1 F= 0 0
:
(End of Example 8)

A.9 Example 9 Column Analysis Problem
PROBLEM
opening...
FHWA
Column Analysis
01/12/01
Example 9
:
PRINT
L=1 M=1 D=1 O=1 S=1 P=1 T=1 F=1 C=1 B=1 I=1 R=0 N=0
:
CONTROL
1 U= 0 D= 0 S= 0 R= 0 N= 17 V=1.0 : NUMLC
S= 2 T= 0 0 P= 2
I= 60 T= 1
:
PILE
C 30" Square FDOT Standard prestressed 2
K= 2 L= 20 M= 1 C= 5 , 5500 \
S= 0,270,0,0,0,28500,0,0
W= 30 V= 0 N= 2 P= 0 S= 0 : (square)
NG= 4 HPI= 0
0.167 11.5 11.5 150 N= 8 D= 2
0.167 11.5 -11.5 150 N= 8 D= 2
0.167 11.5 8.2143 150 N= 6 D= 3
0.167 -11.5 8.2143 150 N= 6 D= 3
E= 0 H= 1 A= 1 S= 1 G= 0 C= 0
1 1 : NPX, NPY
:
COLUMN
1 S= 1e+016 1e+016 0 0 0 0
17 S= 1e+016 1e+016 1e+016 0 0 0
1 L= 1 F= 0 0 200 0 1200 0
:
(End of Example 9)

FB-Pier References
Gazioglu, S. M., and ONeill, M. W., Evaluation of P-Y Relationships in Cohesive Soils, from Analysis
and Design of Pile Foundations, proceedings of a symposium sponsored by the ASCE Geotechnical
Engineering Division, ASCE National Convention, San Francisco, CA, pp. 192-213.
Georgiadis, M., Development of P-Y curves for Layered Soils, Proceesings, Geotechnical Practice in
Offshore Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers, pp. 536-545.
Kulhawy, F. and Mayne, P. Manual for Estimating Soil Properties for Foundation Design. Electric
Power Research Institute (EPRI) Report. EPRI EL-6800. Project 1493-6. Aug. 1990. p.5-17.
Matlock, H., Correlations for Design of Laterally Loaded Piles in Soft Clay, Paper No. OTC 1204,
Proceedings, Second Annual Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, Vol. 1, 1970, pp. 577-
594.
McVay,M. C., O'Brien, M., Townsend, F. C., Bloomquist, D. G., and Caliendo, J. A., "Numerical
Analysis of Vertically Loaded Pile Groups," ASCE, Foundation Engineering
Congress, Northwestern University, Illinois, July, 1989, pp. 675-690.
Murchison, J. M. and ONeill, M. W., Evaluation of P-Y Relationships in Cohesionless Soils, from
Analysis and Design of Pile Foundations, proceedings of a symposium sponsored by the ASCE
Geotechnical Engineering Division, ASCE National Convention, San Francisco, CA,pp. 174-191.
Reese, L. C., W. R. Cox, and F. D. Koop, Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles in Sand, Paper No. OTC
2080, Proceedings, Fifth Annual Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, 1974 (GESA Report
No. D-75-9).
Reese, L. C., W. R. Cox, and F. D. Koop, Field Testing and Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles in Stiff
Clay, Paper No. OTC 2312, Proceedings, Seventh Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas,
1975.
Reese, L. C. and R. C. Welch, Lateral Loading of Deep Foundations in Stiff Clas, Journal of the
Geotechnical Engineering Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 101, No. GT7,
Proceedings Paper 11456, 1975, pp. 633-649 (GESA Report No. D-74-10).
FB-PIER USERS MANUAL B-1

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FB-Pier

Users Guide and Manual

Developed by the Florida Department of Transportation

CHAPTER 1 - General Information

CHAPTER 2 - Modeling Parameters and Soil-Structure Interaction

CHAPTER 3 - Example Problems

CHAPTER 4 - Soil Theory

CHAPTER 5 - Structural Analysis Theory

CHAPTER 6 - Suggested Insitu Soil Parameters

FB-PIER USERS iii

APPENDIX A - Example Problem Input Files

only suggested and an experienced geotechnical engineer should be consulted.

1.1. TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT FB-PIER SOLVES

1) pile and cap only;

type. A complete description of the eight general problem types follows.

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-1

(a) Single Pile/shaft (b) Group of Piles/Shafts with Cap

connection as shown in Figure 1.2

Figure 1.2 Comparison of Pile Head Behavior

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-2

to prevent any pile head rotation as shown in Figure 1.3.

Fixed pile head Fixed pile head

Figure 1.3 Creating a Fixed Head Condition in FB-Pier

multipliers other than 1.0 are used in the pile rows.

Pile Group Fixed head Pinned head

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-3

with over 100 pile/shafts have been represented.

1.1.2. General Bridge Piers

Bridge Pile Cap

Figure 1.5 General Bridge

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-4

piles required) at shallow depths.

Figure 1.6 Multiple Pile Groups Under One Pier Cap

(see Figure 1.6).

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-5

with corresponding loads which may be analyzed with FB-Pier.

Figure 1.7 Lighting and Sign Structures

multiple pile or shaft types with variable spacing and batter.

1.1.4 Retaining Walls On Top Of Deep Foundations

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-6

(a) Soil and Cantilever Wall (b) FB-Pier Idealization

Figure 1.9 Retaining Wall

1.1.5 Sound Walls

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-7

Figure 1.10 Sound Wall on a Deep Foundation

1.1.6 Equivalent Pile Group Stiffness

until convergence is achieved. Generally, three to five iterations are performed.

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-8

These foundations are restricted to a single row of piles.

1.1.8 Column Analysis

The column properties are input as normal pile properties.

1.2 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

directory Program Files.

1.3 FB-PIER FILES

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-9

capacities of structural members), and providing on screen help on input parameters.

1.3.2 FBPier_eng.exe , Conspawn.exe, and pyplot.dll

Pyplot.dll should be contained in the same directory as FB-Pier.

1.3.3 FB-Pier.cnt and FB-Pier.hlp

must be contained in the same directory as FB-Pier.exe.

1.3.4 Pile and Pier Database files (*.smd and *.pld)

FB-PIER USERS MANUAL 1-10

1.3.5 Default.in files

following nine possible choices in the Problem Tab dialog box:

1.3.4 Pile and Pier Database files (.smd and .pld)