Three dimensional finite element analysis of concrete filled FRP tubular model piles under lateral loads

An investigation of the lateral load capacity of model concrete filled FRP tubular composite piles was carried out. Model composite piles which formed a basis for the development of a three dimensional finite element model (FEM) using the ABAQUS analysis package were tested in a sand filled\ud chamber at James Cook University. The results from the laboratory model piles and the FEM analysis provide a clear indication of the superiority of the FRP composite pile over its traditional counterpart under lateral load conditions