Vibratory pile driving analysis. A simplified model

For the design of vibro-driving, the more important questions are : is vibro-driving adapted to the mechanical characteristics of the soil ? Will the vibrator be able to drive the pile to the desired depth ? The answer at these both questions suppose the designer know the effects of the vibration on the shaft resistance and on the toe resistance. The paper describes a simplified model in order to understand better the behaviour of the global system vibrator-pile-soil. The software “BRAXUUS” is used to compare experimental and numerical data obtained with this model. The prediction of refusal depth so as the effects of the quake are also analyzed. It is essential to have in the future a better understanding of the effects of the amplitudes of displacement on the surrounding soil.