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General & geotechnical considerations for pile design

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Rizwan Khurram
Rizwan Khurram

This document provides an overview of key considerations for pile foundation design, including general design factors, subsurface investigations, pile types, load types, failure definitions, and construction and long-term performance monitoring. It emphasizes the importance of coordination between structural and geotechnical engineers, and of establishing an appropriate factor of safety based on the significance and function of the structure. Subsurface conditions like soil and groundwater properties must be well characterized to properly model load transfer mechanisms.

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GENERAL & GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PILE DESIGN Presented By; ZAHID UMAIR 2007-MS-GEO-11
CONTENTS General Considerations Design Considerations Nature of Loadings Foundation Material Identification & Evaluation of Pile Alternatives Subsurface Investigations and Geology Laboratory and Field Testing Foundation Modification Groundwater Studies Dynamic Considerations Subsurface Conditions Pile Load Test Selection of Shear Strength Parameters Field Responsibilities for Design Engineer Pile Instrumentation
PILES The purpose of a pile foundation is to transfer and distribute load through a material or stratum with inadequate bearing, sliding or uplift capacity to a firmer stratum that is capable of supporting the load without detrimental displacement.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Many factors must be considered while selecting an appropriate foundation. The final selection should be based on; Evaluation of Engineering Feasibility Comparative Costs for the Potential Alternatives Factors of Safety Reliability Constructability Life Cycle Performance
Structural & Geotechnical Coordination Some of the critical aspects of the design process which require coordination are: Preliminary and Final Selection of Pile Type Preliminary Evaluation of Geotechnical Data and Subsurface Conditions Selection of Loading Conditions, Loading Effects, Potential Failure Mechanisms for Analytical Model. Minimum Pile Spacing Lateral Resistance of Soil Required Pile Length and Axial Capacity Drivability of the Pile to the Selected Capacity
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS The pile foundation analysis is based upon several simplifying assumptions which affect the accuracy of the results. The computed results must always be reviewed with Engineering Judgement by the design engineer to assure that the values are reasonable. Also, the analysis results should be compared with load test results.
Functional Significance of Structure The type, purpose, and function of the structure affect decisions regarding; Subsurface Investigation Programs Analytical Methods Construction Procedures and Inspection Performance Monitoring Generally, the proposed structure should be evaluated on the basis of the consequences of failure, that is, the potential for loss of lives and property, economic losses both local and national, compromising the national defense, and adverse public opinion.
Definitions of Failure Structure or foundation failures can be categorized as: Functional Failure Actual Collapse Functional failure can be due to Excessive Deflection Unacceptable Differential Movements Excessive Vibration Premature Deterioration due to Environmental Factors For critical structures, failure to meet functional requirements may be as serious as the actual collapse of a lesser structure. The designers should be aware of the degree of safety against collapse but also of effects of settlement and vibration on the functional performance.
Factors of Safety In order to reduce the potential for failure and to minimize the cost, the designer must apply appropriate FOS to the design. These FOS are based on; Functional Significance of the Structure Level of Confidence in the Foundation Parameters Adequacy of the Analysis Tools Level of Construction Controls Uncertain design parameters and loads, require a higher FOS. For less significant structures, it is permissible to use larger FOS if it is not economical to reduce the uncertainty in the analysis and design by performing additional studies, testing etc.
Soil-Structure Considerations for Analysis Foundation Testing Program should clearly define soil types and profiles, soil strengths etc. A well-planned and monitored Pile Load Test Program will allow the designer to utilize a lower FOS or by modifying the required number or length of piles required. Depending upon the type of foundation material, the nature of the loading, the location of the ground water, and the functional requirements of the structure, a Detailed Seepage Analysis and/or Pile Settlement Analysis may also be required to define adequately the PILE-SOIL LOAD TRANSFER MECHANISM and the resulting parameters necessary for an adequate pile design.
Construction & Service Considerations The designer prepares the specifications and instructions for field personnel to assure the proper execution of the design. For critical structures a representative of the design office should be present in the field on a continuous basis. Designers should make frequent visits to the construction site not only to ensure that the design objective is being fulfilled but also to familiarize themselves with construction procedures and problems to improve on future designs. Once the project is in operation, the designer should obtain feedback on how well the structure is fulfilling its operational purposes. This may require that instrumentation or may be from operating personnel and periodic inspections.
NATURE OF LOADINGS Usual Loading: Usual loads refer to conditions which are related to the primary function of a structure and can be reasonably expected to occur during the economic service life. The loading effects may be of either a long term, constant or an intermittent, repetitive nature. Pile allowable loads and stresses should include a conservative safety factor for such conditions.
Unusual Loading: Unusual loads refer to construction, operation or maintenance conditions which are of relatively short duration or infrequent occur­rence. Only minor cosmetic damage to the structure may occur during these conditions. Lower factors of safety may be used for such loadings. A less efficient pile layout is acceptable for these conditions.
Extreme Loading: Extreme loads refer to events which are highly improbable and cause significant structural damage which requires major rehabilitation or replacement of the structure. Designing for pile ductility in high risk seismic regions is very important because it is very difficult to assess pile damage after earthquakes and the potential repair costs are very large.
FOUNDATION MATERIAL Data Collection: The designer should make a site visit to examine; Topography at the Site An Examination of Existing Structures in the Vicinity. A Visit to the Local Building Department may provide Foundation Information and Boring Logs for nearby Buildings. Valuable Soil and Geological Information can be obtained from other Governmental Agencies. Colleagues may be able to provide information on projects they have worked on in the area. Check the files for previous jobs your office might have built or explored in the area.
Exploration Requirements The designer must lay out an exploration and testing program that will identify; Various Material Zones and their Properties Groundwater Table Water Quality Existing Aquifers Information relating to Faults
IDENTIFICATION & EVALUATION OF PILE ALTERNATIVES After obtaining a general evaluation of the subsurface conditions the engineer should attempt to identify all potential useful foundation alternatives for a structure. Three basic types of foundations are available: soil-founded, various types of piles, and piers or caissons. Types of Piles: Steel H-Piles Steel Pipe Piles Precast Concrete Cast-in-Place Concrete Timber
 
Evaluation of Pile Types Load Capacity and Pile Spacing For capacity of a pile foundation, consider the pile spacing along with the capacity of individual piles. The lateral load resistance of the piles is also important since lateral loads can induce high bending stresses. Constructability Piles susceptible to damage during hard driving are less likely to penetrate hard strata or gravel and boulder zones. Soil disturbance or vibrations during construction may damage adjacent piles or structures. The ease of cutting or splicing a pile may also affect constructability.
Performance The pile foundation must perform as designed for the life of the structure. Structural displacements should not cause actual pile failure. The load capacity should not degrade over time due to deterioration of the pile material. Availability Piles must be available in the lengths required, or they must be spliced or cut off.
Cost For comparisons between types of piles, calculate the Pile Cost per Load Capacity. It will lead to an obvious exclusion of certain pile types The cost evaluation should include all expenses related to pile foundation like; Additional Expense for Storage or Splicing Pressure-Relief Systems used to reduce Uplift Pressures and thus control Pile Loads Any Required Modifications to the Structure to Accommodate the Piles
Preliminary Evaluations All identified foundation alternatives should first be evaluated for; Suitability for the Intended Application Economy Capacity Availability Constructability Expected Performance This will limit further studies to those foundation alternatives which are reasonably feasible.
Final Evaluations Final evaluation should include; Costs of Structural or Site Modifications Required to Accommodate Foundation Type Cost Differences in Delivery or Installation Schedules Levels of Reliability of Performance Potential Construction Complications
SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATIONS AND GEOLOGY The investigation program should cover the area of the foundation and, as a very minimum, extend 20 feet below the tip of the longest pile anticipated to identify any soft, settlement-prone layers The type of soil-boring will be determined by the type of soil profile that exists In a clay layer, sufficient undisturbed samples should be obtained to determine Shear Strength Consolidation Characteristics Sensitivity of the Clay Shrink-Swell Characteristics In-situ Soil Confining Pressure
Where gravels or cobbles are expected, some large diameter soil borings should be made in order to collect representative samples to determine their properties. An accurate location of the soil borings should be made in the field and a map provided in the design An engineering geologist should be present during the drilling operation to provide field interpretation. Geologic interpretations should be provided in the design documents in the form of geologic maps and/or profiles. The profiles should extend from the ground surface to well below the deepest foundation element. The accompanying text and/or maps should fully explain the stratigraphy of the subgrade as well as its engineering geology characteristics.
LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTING Laboratory Determinations of the shear strength and consolidation properties of the clay should be performed. For the construction case in clay, UU triaxial shear (Q) test should be performed. In silts, CU triaxial shear (R) test, with pore pressure recorded, should be performed In sands if samples can be collected, CD triaxial shear test or direct shear test (S) should be used to predict the shear strength. The sensitivity of these soils should be estimated and the appropriate remolded triaxial shear test performed Shrink-swell tests is performed, if appropriate Consolidation tests should be performed throughout the profile so that settlement of the structure may be estimated.
Field Testing should include; In-situ Ground-water Evaluation Standard Penetration Test Electronic Cone Penetration Test Vane Shear Pressure Meter Geophysical Techniques of logging the soil boring, electric logging, should be employed wherever possible if highly stratified soils are encountered or expected or if faults need to be located.
FOUNDATION MODIFICATION Installation of piles will densify loose, granular materials and may loosen dense, granular materials. This should be taken into consideration by the designer. For homogeneous stratifications, the best pile foundations would tend theoretically toward longer piles at a larger spacing In silty subgrades, the foundations may dilate and lose strength which will not be regained. Piles can be used to modify foundation soils by densification In soft clay soils piles could be used to achieve some slight gain in shear strength
GROUNDWATER STUDIES The groundwater should be evaluated in each of the soil borings during the field investigation. Piezometers and/or monitoring wells should be installed and monitored during the various weather cycles. A determination should be made of all of the groundwater environments beneath the structure, i.e. perched water tables, artesian conditions and deep aquifers, excess pore water pressure For the design of pile foundations the highest groundwater table elevation should prove to be the worst case for analysis of pile capacity. However, significant lowering of the water table during construction may cause installation and later service problems by inducing densification or consolidation.
DYNAMIC CONSIDERATIONS Liquefaction is most commonly induced by seismic loading and rarely by vibrations due to pile driving during construction or from vibrations occurring during operations. If soils in the foundation or surrounding area are subject to liquefaction, the removal or densification of the liquefiable material should be considered, along with alternative foundation designs. The first few natural frequencies of the structure-foundation system should be evaluated and compared to the operating frequencies to assure that resonance (not associated with liquefaction) is not induced.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS Skin Friction and End Bearing are dependent on the subsurface conditions and soil type. In soil deposits that contain layers of varying stiffness, the ultimate axial pile capacity cannot be equal to the sum of the peak strength of all the materials in contact with the pile because the peak strengths are not reached simultaneously. Failure is likely to be progressive. The existence of boulders or cobbles within foundation layers can present driving problems and hinder determination of ultimate axial capacity of a single pile.
PILE LOAD TEST The pile load test is intended to validate the computed capacity and to provide information for the improvement of design. Therefore, a test to soil/ pile failure should be conducted in lieu of testing to a specified load of termination. Data from a test should not be used to lengthen or shorten piles to an extent that their new capacities vary more than 10% from the test load. Shortening the service piles may place the tips above a firm bearing stratum into a soft clay layer. Then Consolidation and loss in BC may occur. Extending tips deeper into a firmer bearing may cause driving problems. At the end of test, the test piles should be extracted and inspected
Greater reliance can be placed upon future results when using the analyzer for verifying the driving system efficiency, capacity, and pile integrity for production piles. A pile loading test is necessary if a sufficient number of piles are to be driven or a reduced FOS will result in a sufficient shortening of the piles to improve economy. In highly stratified soils where some pile-tip capacity is used in design computations, care should be taken to keep at least 5 feet or 8 pile tip diameters of embedment into the bearing stratum. The jack and reference beam should be in the same plane with the axis of the test pile since deviations will result in erroneous pile load tests. Cautions. A poorly performed pile load test may be worse than having no test at all.
SELECTION OF SHEAR STRENGTH PARAMETERS The two allowable pile capacities obtained for undrained and drained soil conditions should be compared and the lower of the two cases selected for use for any tip penetration. In cases where the S case governs, then the classic slow pile test should be selected. The designer should also consider using 24-hour load holding periods at 100, 200, and 300 percent of design load especially when foundation soils are known to exhibit a tendency to creep. When the design is verified by pile load test, the pile load test will take precedence in the selection of ultimate pile capacity and pile tip over the predicted theoretical value in most cases.
FIELD RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DESIGN ENGINEER Loading Test On all major structures with significant foundation costs, pile load tests are required while minor structures may not required. Load tests of piles should be performed to finalize pile lengths and to provide information for improving design procedures. Field Visits Field visits should be made to view critical construction phases and to discuss progress and potential changes in procedures with the construction representative. Critical items include monitoring and maintaining detailed records of driving operations, especially:
Driving reports for individual piles - Date and times, placement position and alignment; blow counts, difficulties and interruptions during driving; installation and location of any pile splices. General driving data - Complete descriptions of driving equipment, adjustments and changes (leads, hammer, anvil, cap, cushions etc.); pile storage and handling procedures; pile interference; pile heave. Driving restrictions - existing structures in vicinity; driving near new concrete; limiting water elevation. Instructions to the Field Instructions Report to the field should include the following information;
Present the design concepts, special details and assumptions made regarding interpretation of subsurface investigation data and field conditions. The concepts, assumptions, and special details of the design. Assistance to field personnel in interpreting the plans and specifications. Information to make field personnel aware of critical areas in the design which require additional control and inspection. Provide guidance for use of pile driving analyzer to monitor driving operations.
PILE INSTRUMENTATION Pile instrumentation have three categories: Instrumentation used during Pile Load Tests to obtain Design Data Pile Driving Analyzer used to control Quality of Pile Installation Permanent Instrumentation used to gather Information during the Service Life The designer should select instrumentation that has sufficient accuracy to measure the required data. Permanent instrumentation is used to gather data relating to the state of stress and behavior of the pile under service load conditions, the behavior of a particular pile foundation and about analysis and design assumptions in general.
THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION!

More Related Content

General & geotechnical considerations for pile design

  • 1.  
  • 2. GENERAL & GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PILE DESIGN Presented By; ZAHID UMAIR 2007-MS-GEO-11
  • 3. CONTENTS General Considerations Design Considerations Nature of Loadings Foundation Material Identification & Evaluation of Pile Alternatives Subsurface Investigations and Geology Laboratory and Field Testing Foundation Modification Groundwater Studies Dynamic Considerations Subsurface Conditions Pile Load Test Selection of Shear Strength Parameters Field Responsibilities for Design Engineer Pile Instrumentation
  • 4. PILES The purpose of a pile foundation is to transfer and distribute load through a material or stratum with inadequate bearing, sliding or uplift capacity to a firmer stratum that is capable of supporting the load without detrimental displacement.
  • 5. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Many factors must be considered while selecting an appropriate foundation. The final selection should be based on; Evaluation of Engineering Feasibility Comparative Costs for the Potential Alternatives Factors of Safety Reliability Constructability Life Cycle Performance
  • 6. Structural & Geotechnical Coordination Some of the critical aspects of the design process which require coordination are: Preliminary and Final Selection of Pile Type Preliminary Evaluation of Geotechnical Data and Subsurface Conditions Selection of Loading Conditions, Loading Effects, Potential Failure Mechanisms for Analytical Model. Minimum Pile Spacing Lateral Resistance of Soil Required Pile Length and Axial Capacity Drivability of the Pile to the Selected Capacity
  • 7. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS The pile foundation analysis is based upon several simplifying assumptions which affect the accuracy of the results. The computed results must always be reviewed with Engineering Judgement by the design engineer to assure that the values are reasonable. Also, the analysis results should be compared with load test results.
  • 8. Functional Significance of Structure The type, purpose, and function of the structure affect decisions regarding; Subsurface Investigation Programs Analytical Methods Construction Procedures and Inspection Performance Monitoring Generally, the proposed structure should be evaluated on the basis of the consequences of failure, that is, the potential for loss of lives and property, economic losses both local and national, compromising the national defense, and adverse public opinion.
  • 9. Definitions of Failure Structure or foundation failures can be categorized as: Functional Failure Actual Collapse Functional failure can be due to Excessive Deflection Unacceptable Differential Movements Excessive Vibration Premature Deterioration due to Environmental Factors For critical structures, failure to meet functional requirements may be as serious as the actual collapse of a lesser structure. The designers should be aware of the degree of safety against collapse but also of effects of settlement and vibration on the functional performance.
  • 10. Factors of Safety In order to reduce the potential for failure and to minimize the cost, the designer must apply appropriate FOS to the design. These FOS are based on; Functional Significance of the Structure Level of Confidence in the Foundation Parameters Adequacy of the Analysis Tools Level of Construction Controls Uncertain design parameters and loads, require a higher FOS. For less significant structures, it is permissible to use larger FOS if it is not economical to reduce the uncertainty in the analysis and design by performing additional studies, testing etc.
  • 11. Soil-Structure Considerations for Analysis Foundation Testing Program should clearly define soil types and profiles, soil strengths etc. A well-planned and monitored Pile Load Test Program will allow the designer to utilize a lower FOS or by modifying the required number or length of piles required. Depending upon the type of foundation material, the nature of the loading, the location of the ground water, and the functional requirements of the structure, a Detailed Seepage Analysis and/or Pile Settlement Analysis may also be required to define adequately the PILE-SOIL LOAD TRANSFER MECHANISM and the resulting parameters necessary for an adequate pile design.
  • 12. Construction & Service Considerations The designer prepares the specifications and instructions for field personnel to assure the proper execution of the design. For critical structures a representative of the design office should be present in the field on a continuous basis. Designers should make frequent visits to the construction site not only to ensure that the design objective is being fulfilled but also to familiarize themselves with construction procedures and problems to improve on future designs. Once the project is in operation, the designer should obtain feedback on how well the structure is fulfilling its operational purposes. This may require that instrumentation or may be from operating personnel and periodic inspections.
  • 13. NATURE OF LOADINGS Usual Loading: Usual loads refer to conditions which are related to the primary function of a structure and can be reasonably expected to occur during the economic service life. The loading effects may be of either a long term, constant or an intermittent, repetitive nature. Pile allowable loads and stresses should include a conservative safety factor for such conditions.
  • 14. Unusual Loading: Unusual loads refer to construction, operation or maintenance conditions which are of relatively short duration or infrequent occur­rence. Only minor cosmetic damage to the structure may occur during these conditions. Lower factors of safety may be used for such loadings. A less efficient pile layout is acceptable for these conditions.
  • 15. Extreme Loading: Extreme loads refer to events which are highly improbable and cause significant structural damage which requires major rehabilitation or replacement of the structure. Designing for pile ductility in high risk seismic regions is very important because it is very difficult to assess pile damage after earthquakes and the potential repair costs are very large.
  • 16. FOUNDATION MATERIAL Data Collection: The designer should make a site visit to examine; Topography at the Site An Examination of Existing Structures in the Vicinity. A Visit to the Local Building Department may provide Foundation Information and Boring Logs for nearby Buildings. Valuable Soil and Geological Information can be obtained from other Governmental Agencies. Colleagues may be able to provide information on projects they have worked on in the area. Check the files for previous jobs your office might have built or explored in the area.
  • 17. Exploration Requirements The designer must lay out an exploration and testing program that will identify; Various Material Zones and their Properties Groundwater Table Water Quality Existing Aquifers Information relating to Faults
  • 18. IDENTIFICATION & EVALUATION OF PILE ALTERNATIVES After obtaining a general evaluation of the subsurface conditions the engineer should attempt to identify all potential useful foundation alternatives for a structure. Three basic types of foundations are available: soil-founded, various types of piles, and piers or caissons. Types of Piles: Steel H-Piles Steel Pipe Piles Precast Concrete Cast-in-Place Concrete Timber
  • 19.  
  • 20. Evaluation of Pile Types Load Capacity and Pile Spacing For capacity of a pile foundation, consider the pile spacing along with the capacity of individual piles. The lateral load resistance of the piles is also important since lateral loads can induce high bending stresses. Constructability Piles susceptible to damage during hard driving are less likely to penetrate hard strata or gravel and boulder zones. Soil disturbance or vibrations during construction may damage adjacent piles or structures. The ease of cutting or splicing a pile may also affect constructability.
  • 21. Performance The pile foundation must perform as designed for the life of the structure. Structural displacements should not cause actual pile failure. The load capacity should not degrade over time due to deterioration of the pile material. Availability Piles must be available in the lengths required, or they must be spliced or cut off.
  • 22. Cost For comparisons between types of piles, calculate the Pile Cost per Load Capacity. It will lead to an obvious exclusion of certain pile types The cost evaluation should include all expenses related to pile foundation like; Additional Expense for Storage or Splicing Pressure-Relief Systems used to reduce Uplift Pressures and thus control Pile Loads Any Required Modifications to the Structure to Accommodate the Piles
  • 23. Preliminary Evaluations All identified foundation alternatives should first be evaluated for; Suitability for the Intended Application Economy Capacity Availability Constructability Expected Performance This will limit further studies to those foundation alternatives which are reasonably feasible.
  • 24. Final Evaluations Final evaluation should include; Costs of Structural or Site Modifications Required to Accommodate Foundation Type Cost Differences in Delivery or Installation Schedules Levels of Reliability of Performance Potential Construction Complications
  • 25. SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATIONS AND GEOLOGY The investigation program should cover the area of the foundation and, as a very minimum, extend 20 feet below the tip of the longest pile anticipated to identify any soft, settlement-prone layers The type of soil-boring will be determined by the type of soil profile that exists In a clay layer, sufficient undisturbed samples should be obtained to determine Shear Strength Consolidation Characteristics Sensitivity of the Clay Shrink-Swell Characteristics In-situ Soil Confining Pressure
  • 26. Where gravels or cobbles are expected, some large diameter soil borings should be made in order to collect representative samples to determine their properties. An accurate location of the soil borings should be made in the field and a map provided in the design An engineering geologist should be present during the drilling operation to provide field interpretation. Geologic interpretations should be provided in the design documents in the form of geologic maps and/or profiles. The profiles should extend from the ground surface to well below the deepest foundation element. The accompanying text and/or maps should fully explain the stratigraphy of the subgrade as well as its engineering geology characteristics.
  • 27. LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTING Laboratory Determinations of the shear strength and consolidation properties of the clay should be performed. For the construction case in clay, UU triaxial shear (Q) test should be performed. In silts, CU triaxial shear (R) test, with pore pressure recorded, should be performed In sands if samples can be collected, CD triaxial shear test or direct shear test (S) should be used to predict the shear strength. The sensitivity of these soils should be estimated and the appropriate remolded triaxial shear test performed Shrink-swell tests is performed, if appropriate Consolidation tests should be performed throughout the profile so that settlement of the structure may be estimated.
  • 28. Field Testing should include; In-situ Ground-water Evaluation Standard Penetration Test Electronic Cone Penetration Test Vane Shear Pressure Meter Geophysical Techniques of logging the soil boring, electric logging, should be employed wherever possible if highly stratified soils are encountered or expected or if faults need to be located.
  • 29. FOUNDATION MODIFICATION Installation of piles will densify loose, granular materials and may loosen dense, granular materials. This should be taken into consideration by the designer. For homogeneous stratifications, the best pile foundations would tend theoretically toward longer piles at a larger spacing In silty subgrades, the foundations may dilate and lose strength which will not be regained. Piles can be used to modify foundation soils by densification In soft clay soils piles could be used to achieve some slight gain in shear strength
  • 30. GROUNDWATER STUDIES The groundwater should be evaluated in each of the soil borings during the field investigation. Piezometers and/or monitoring wells should be installed and monitored during the various weather cycles. A determination should be made of all of the groundwater environments beneath the structure, i.e. perched water tables, artesian conditions and deep aquifers, excess pore water pressure For the design of pile foundations the highest groundwater table elevation should prove to be the worst case for analysis of pile capacity. However, significant lowering of the water table during construction may cause installation and later service problems by inducing densification or consolidation.
  • 31. DYNAMIC CONSIDERATIONS Liquefaction is most commonly induced by seismic loading and rarely by vibrations due to pile driving during construction or from vibrations occurring during operations. If soils in the foundation or surrounding area are subject to liquefaction, the removal or densification of the liquefiable material should be considered, along with alternative foundation designs. The first few natural frequencies of the structure-foundation system should be evaluated and compared to the operating frequencies to assure that resonance (not associated with liquefaction) is not induced.
  • 32. SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS Skin Friction and End Bearing are dependent on the subsurface conditions and soil type. In soil deposits that contain layers of varying stiffness, the ultimate axial pile capacity cannot be equal to the sum of the peak strength of all the materials in contact with the pile because the peak strengths are not reached simultaneously. Failure is likely to be progressive. The existence of boulders or cobbles within foundation layers can present driving problems and hinder determination of ultimate axial capacity of a single pile.
  • 33. PILE LOAD TEST The pile load test is intended to validate the computed capacity and to provide information for the improvement of design. Therefore, a test to soil/ pile failure should be conducted in lieu of testing to a specified load of termination. Data from a test should not be used to lengthen or shorten piles to an extent that their new capacities vary more than 10% from the test load. Shortening the service piles may place the tips above a firm bearing stratum into a soft clay layer. Then Consolidation and loss in BC may occur. Extending tips deeper into a firmer bearing may cause driving problems. At the end of test, the test piles should be extracted and inspected
  • 34. Greater reliance can be placed upon future results when using the analyzer for verifying the driving system efficiency, capacity, and pile integrity for production piles. A pile loading test is necessary if a sufficient number of piles are to be driven or a reduced FOS will result in a sufficient shortening of the piles to improve economy. In highly stratified soils where some pile-tip capacity is used in design computations, care should be taken to keep at least 5 feet or 8 pile tip diameters of embedment into the bearing stratum. The jack and reference beam should be in the same plane with the axis of the test pile since deviations will result in erroneous pile load tests. Cautions. A poorly performed pile load test may be worse than having no test at all.
  • 35. SELECTION OF SHEAR STRENGTH PARAMETERS The two allowable pile capacities obtained for undrained and drained soil conditions should be compared and the lower of the two cases selected for use for any tip penetration. In cases where the S case governs, then the classic slow pile test should be selected. The designer should also consider using 24-hour load holding periods at 100, 200, and 300 percent of design load especially when foundation soils are known to exhibit a tendency to creep. When the design is verified by pile load test, the pile load test will take precedence in the selection of ultimate pile capacity and pile tip over the predicted theoretical value in most cases.
  • 36. FIELD RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DESIGN ENGINEER Loading Test On all major structures with significant foundation costs, pile load tests are required while minor structures may not required. Load tests of piles should be performed to finalize pile lengths and to provide information for improving design procedures. Field Visits Field visits should be made to view critical construction phases and to discuss progress and potential changes in procedures with the construction representative. Critical items include monitoring and maintaining detailed records of driving operations, especially:
  • 37. Driving reports for individual piles - Date and times, placement position and alignment; blow counts, difficulties and interruptions during driving; installation and location of any pile splices. General driving data - Complete descriptions of driving equipment, adjustments and changes (leads, hammer, anvil, cap, cushions etc.); pile storage and handling procedures; pile interference; pile heave. Driving restrictions - existing structures in vicinity; driving near new concrete; limiting water elevation. Instructions to the Field Instructions Report to the field should include the following information;
  • 38. Present the design concepts, special details and assumptions made regarding interpretation of subsurface investigation data and field conditions. The concepts, assumptions, and special details of the design. Assistance to field personnel in interpreting the plans and specifications. Information to make field personnel aware of critical areas in the design which require additional control and inspection. Provide guidance for use of pile driving analyzer to monitor driving operations.
  • 39. PILE INSTRUMENTATION Pile instrumentation have three categories: Instrumentation used during Pile Load Tests to obtain Design Data Pile Driving Analyzer used to control Quality of Pile Installation Permanent Instrumentation used to gather Information during the Service Life The designer should select instrumentation that has sufficient accuracy to measure the required data. Permanent instrumentation is used to gather data relating to the state of stress and behavior of the pile under service load conditions, the behavior of a particular pile foundation and about analysis and design assumptions in general.
  • 40. THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION!