HP pile modelling for slope stability or retaining wall in Plaxis 3D

Question

Hello, 
 What is the best way to model HP and W section (Fully or partially embeded in soil) in order to capture lateral behavior property and estimate the shear, moment and deflection in pile? Can Plaxis 3D model soil flow between the piles? 
 Kind regards, 
 
 Mohd Rahman

Stefanos Papavasileiou · Answer

Dear Mohd Rahman, 
 In PLAXIS 3D you can use one of the following approaches: 
 
 Volume elements, which is the most realistic way to model a pile, but requires high accuracy when drawing and can potentially be problematic for meshing if any inaccuracies are introduced. 
 Plate elements, which require some simplifications and assumptions in determining the mechanical properties 
 Embedded beams, which are mostly accurate for vertical loads and with indirectly applied lateral loads. check the article: https://communities.bentley.com/products/geotech-analysis/w/plaxis-soilvision-wiki/46081/validation-of-plaxis-embedded-piles-for-lateral-loading 
 
 All the above options, require your engineering judgement in designing and determining the material parameters which should be to get a response as close to reality. This might require you running a few test projects in which you calibrate the behaviour of the pile before using it in the main project. 
 Depending on how you draw the piles, soil can flow around the piles as this is covered in the drawn geometry. Special note for the plate elements as if you simplify and define a single plate element for all piles, then no soil can flow through the plate element.