Deterministic and Probabilistic Simple Model for Single Pile Behavior under Lateral Truck Impact

In this study a simple and fast method and computational code to analyze the behavior of a single post under a vehicle impact for any soil type, any vehicle mass, any truck velocity and any post size is developed. The final outcome of this research is a simple model with an estimation of each parameter. In order to contribute uncertainties in parameters and the model, a probabilistic model is also designed, and finally a fragility estimation is made by using these models. The research covers 4 main studies: Performing 13 full and medium scale tests with full investigation of soil properties by means of in situ and lab tests, conducting 49 detailed numerical simulations with LS-DYNA with different range of parameters to build a database of results for calibrating the simple model, developing and calibrating a finite difference model for single pile subjected to impact load using dynamically modified Kelvin-Voigt model for soil behavior, modifying the simple model with Bayesian approach to build a probabilistic model and generating fragility estimates based on the probabilistic model. The outcome of the research is a probabilistic simple method to analyze a single pile under lateral impact for any soil and any geometry condition with limitation of elastic behavior of pile during the impact.