Probabilistic Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles using Commercial Finite Difference Software-Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Adam Hassan presents a probabilistic analysis method for laterally loaded piles using AllPile commercial finite-difference software. Because AllPile could not be run directly through Python, the team developed All-Pile Randomizer to modify input files, run simulations, and analyze results using Monte Carlo sampling. The tool varies soil properties and water-table depth, then estimates the probability that pile deflection exceeds a chosen limit.<br /><br />A parametric study found that variability in corrected SPT values had a much stronger effect on failure probability than variability in water-table depth. A practical example showed how probabilistic analysis can support design optimization by linking deflection limits to target reliability levels and project risks.<br /><br />The current tool is limited to one sand or gravel layer and does not model spatial variability of soil properties. The team plans to expand its capabilities. Full-scale validation has not yet been completed.

Keywords

probabilistic analysis

laterally loaded piles

Monte Carlo sampling

AllPile Randomizer

soil variability

pile deflection reliability