What is Pile Failure for Large Diameter Open-End Piles?-Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Catherine Pedik presented FHWA research on bearing resistance and failure criteria for large-diameter open-ended pipe piles. The study compiled load-test data and compared static design methods with measured load–displacement curves. Piles in cohesive soils generally showed plunging behavior, while piles in granular or mixed soils showed either plunging or strain-hardening responses, potentially reflecting plug formation and increased base resistance.<br /><br />The researchers evaluated Davisson, modified Davisson, and 5%-of-diameter failure criteria. Results varied: criteria often produced similar resistance estimates for plunging piles, but differed substantially for strain-hardening piles. The associated displacements also varied, and elastic compression was particularly significant for long piles, raising questions about applying existing methods and accounting for superstructure performance.<br /><br />The study concluded that no single criterion is universally best. It recommends considering all three criteria and using engineering judgment to select a design value. The load-test database is available through FHWA.

Keywords

FHWA research

pipe piles

bearing resistance

failure criteria

load-test data