Performance characteristics of Y-shaped pile under industrial machine induced harmonic vibration

Y-pile is an innovative concept developed recently, which has been exhibiting favorable performance under static loads due to its widened periphery and detailed literature revealed that dynamic analysis on Y-piles are scant. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the performance of Y-pile under machine induced vibration, for both vertical and horizontal modes of vibration. A 3D finite element model has been developed to trace out the frequency–amplitude responses of Y-piles. Further, a comparative study has been done with the frequency–amplitude responses of conventional circular piles having same cross-sectional area as that of Y-pile, to understand the advantage of one over the other. The findings of the results show that the Y-pile has been exhibiting better performance than circular piles for both vertical and horizontal modes, as the resonant amplitude values were less for the Y-pile. This may be due to the profound role of geometric damping or its complex shape. However, in rocking mode of vibration, circular piles showcased better responses and thus it is interpreted that Y-piles are inadmissible where rocking forces are predominant. Thus, this study concludes that Y-pile can be utilized beneficially by industrial sectors and researchers in future by enhancing researches in this area.