•  
  •  
 

Abstract

This study investigates the lateral load behavior of helical piles used as anchor foundations for nearshore floating solar photovoltaic systems. A finite element model (FEM) incorporating user-defined Stiffness Degradation Method (SDM) within PLAXIS 3D is developed to simulate the pile-soil interaction under monotonic and cyclic lateral load. Parametric studies were conducted to examine the effects of key design factors, including helical plate diameter, helical plate depth, pile diameter and soil density, on the lateral bearing capacity and deflection. The results indicate that an increase in the pile diameter is the most effective strategy for enhancing lateral resistance, whereas placing the helical plate near the ground surface provides only minor improvements. Numerical simulations further revealed that helical anchor piles with double helix near both the pile head and pile tip exhibit greater lateral resistance and reduced pile head deflection compared to straight shaft or single helix pile under cyclic loading. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the helical anchor piles design in sandy soil for floating solar application.

Download
COinS