Software

AMR 

The Axial Mobilized Response (AMR) software was developed as a personal project. AMR assesses the mobilized response of axially loaded piles under compression and tension loads using different methods like the FHWA, API, as well as techniques developed during my research. Also included are various techniques for assessing downdrag forces on piles and pile settlement. Currently, the software is used in teaching Utah State University's pile foundation course. C# is used to develop the backend and XAML (WPF) to develop the user interface. Educational institutions can use the software free of charge.   

Dynamic site characterization

As part of my work on dynamic site characterization, I developed a number of Python modules and Jupyter notebooks. These include modules for 2D MASW, DAS, machine learning, and FWI. Dynamic site characterization acquisition produces a significant amount of data. The modules begin by designing the test experiment, organizing, and visualizing the collected data, and conclude by performing a preliminary analysis of the data.  

SPT, CPT,  and DMT Python modules

I have developed several Python modules and Jupyter notebooks for performing traditional site characterization using SPT, CPT, and DMT data. The notebooks take in the raw data from these tests, perform the necessary corrections, and compute the required soil properties using various correlations. A statistics module is also developed to aid in discretizing the CPT soundings into layers and calculating their representative soil properties.  

W-Buzpile

W-Buzpile 2.0 was developed to be the sole software used by the Alabama DOT for the design of their axially loaded piles and pile groups. Different procedures are developed to assess the mobilized pile side and tip resistance versus pile-head and tip settlement under axial load in sandy and clayey soil. The load-transfer displacement (t-z) curve is evaluated at any point on the loaded pile based on the combined pile tip/side resistance-displacement mechanisms along the length of the pile. Unlike current methods that assume the pile settlements as a percentage of the pile/shaft diameter, the techniques implemented in W-Buzpile determine the side/tip resistance of the pile and associated pile settlement under existing load based on the stress/strain level in the surrounding soil up to failure (excessive settlement). Furthermore, a method for analyzing the behavior of the pile group-cap systems when subjected to compressive forces and moments and supported by any configuration of piles with different or similar stiffness is incorporated into the software. W-Buzpile is written using visual basic.

Drag_Pile

Drag_Pile is prepared for use by the National Center for Transportation, Infrastructure Durability & Life-Extension (TriDurLE). The software assesses the mobilized response of piles under axial loads with the consideration of downdrag forces caused by the settlement of inundated collapsible soil layer(s). Pile foundations in collapsible soils may experience a sudden increase in the axial load (i.e., negative skin friction) due to the inundation of the surrounding soils, which may lead to excessive pile settlement. A soil-pile model is developed to determine the downdrag force (negative skin friction) acting on the pile and pile settlement due to the inundation of the collapsible soil layer(s) in the vicinity of the pile foundations. The established pile downdrag force-settlement model depends on the variation in the collapsible soil properties due to inundation. A large number of collapsible sand and sandy silt soils (pre- and post-inundation) are used to develop a soil model that allows the assessment of the soil’s collapse potential (Cp) (i.e., soil settlement), post-collapse friction angle, and unit weight based on pre-inundation soil properties (such as initial void ratio, saturation and friction angle). Drag_Pile is written using visual basic.

SWM -update

The strain wedge model (SWM) software was developed by Professor Mohamed Ashour based on the strain wedge model technique (Ashour et al., 1998). Since then, he and his students have continued adding more functionality and refining the technique and software. SWM models the response of piles and pile groups under lateral loads and has been cited in all the FHWA manuals since its release. I worked on updating the technique for computing the mobilized response of pile group cap systems under lateral loads (Ashour et al., 2019). The software is used by several DOTs and companies around the world. 

1D consolidation finite difference Jupyter notebook 

I have developed a 1D finite difference Jupyter notebook for assessing the 1D consolidation settlement. The notebook accounts for the changes in permeability and constrained modules with settlement progression. The code was originally developed by Professor James Bay in Igor. I have rewritten the code in Python to make it readily available for students in the Geotechnical principles class taught at Utah State University.