Large Deformation Finite Element (LDFE) Modeling of Axially Loaded Helical Piles in Cohesive Soils

Dr. Weidong Li presents his talk "Large Deformation Finite Element (LDFE) Modeling of Axially Loaded Helical Piles in Cohesive Soils". Abstract: Helical piles have become popular in deep foundation engineering practice. The axial failure mechanisms of helical piles are of great importance to engineers for axial capacity design in terms of selecting an appropriate failure mode. However, our current understanding of axial failure mechanisms is limited. Field load tests with instrumented piles is one of the best research techniques, but it may be too expensive and difficult to find ideal in-situ soil deposits. Large deformation finite element analysis offers a great approach for a preliminary but comprehensive observation of the axial behavior of helical piles in various soils. Speaker Bio: Dr. Weidong Li recently defended his PhD thesis at the University of Alberta. He has researched soil-pile interactions using field load tests, centrifuge modeling and finite element analysis. He has built an innovative testing system to install and load helical piles in the centrifuge in the GeoCERF lab at the University of Alberta. He customized ABAQUS with Python coding to realize Large Deformation Finite Element (LDFE) analyses of axially-loaded helical piles in soils. Dr. Li has gained profound skills and knowledge in geotechnical research and engineering through his extensive experience in academia and industry.