Using discrete-element method hindcasting of screw pile performance for practical design

Screw piles have been used to support a variety of structures due to their ease of installation and high axial capacity. Recently, screw piles have been proposed as an alternative foundation solution for offshore renewable structures due to their quiet or silent installation. Due to their variable geometry, design and prediction of installation requirements and its effect on in-service capacity may be challenging. In this research study, the discrete-element method (DEM) is used to numerically recreate a series of onshore field tests. The aim of the study is to investigate the ability of DEM to be used as a practical design tool for the design and deployment of screw piles. In this case study, the effect of the geometric helix pitch on the installation torque and tensile capacity of screw piles installed into sand is investigated. DEM results show that the geometric pitch of a screw pile appears to have little effect on the installation torque. The results show that DEM has the potential to be used as a practical design procedure for complex foundation installation where the simulation needs to capture installation effects.