Simulation of Support Effects in Geotechnical Engineering: A Comparative Study of Concrete and Steel Pipe Piles under Pile-Soil Interaction

In this study, the FLAC3D finite difference numerical software was employed to simulate a geotechnical engineering project, establishing scenarios with concrete and steel pipe piles for support simulation. The analysis focused on the reinforcement effects provided by different types of piles on the geotechnical project. It was found that the reinforcement effects on the soil varied significantly between the pile types. Under the support condition of concrete piles, the maximum soil settlement observed was 4.12 mm, with a differential settlement of 3.19 mm. For steel pipe piles, the maximum soil settlement was reduced to 2.38 mm, with a differential settlement of 2.19 mm, indicating a superior support effect compared to that of concrete piles. Stress concentration phenomena were observed in the piles, becoming more pronounced when pile-soil friction was considered. The substitution of concrete piles with steel pipe piles led to an intensified stress concentration phenomenon in the soil surrounding the piles. The soil undergoing support from concrete piles exhibited the largest plastic deformation, whereas soil supported by steel pipe piles showed less plastic deformation. Consequently, it is concluded that steel pipe piles provide a superior support effect over concrete piles in terms of geotechnical engineering reinforcement.