Abstract:
Steel fin pile foundations utilize fins on the side of the piles to develop significant frictional resistance between the soil and the finned pile. The fins serve the purpose of increasing lateral and torsional resistance of the pile. Scenarios with large lateral and torsional loads may be encountered in foundations for power transmission lines, roadway signage, solar panels, wind turbines, and marine applications. Case history data of applications and performance of steel fin piles are limited compared to conventional alternatives such as steel H-piles, concrete piles, and caissons. The goal of this study is to provide new data on the engineering performance and load capacity of steel fin pile foundations compared to the conventional alternatives. As part of this study, field testing of steel fin pile foundations was performed at an existing project site in Philadelphia, PA (i.e., the I-95 Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange).Pile load tests were carried out to evaluate the axial and lateral load capacities of steel fin piles that were designed for a highway lighting structure application. Results are compared with a typical highway lighting structure foundation. Lateral load tests were performed with fins oriented at different angles to the applied load and the test results highlight the effect of loading direction on the pile performance.