Abstract:
The Automated People Mover (APM) project in the middle of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) aims to enhance the traveler experience, give guests quick access to terminals, and provide a connection to the regional transportation system. Its construction in the middle of one of the busiest active airports in the country posed several design and construction challenges. One of the largest large-diameter CIDH pile load test programs in the City of Los Angeles was performed in different geotechnical control zones within the project limits and utilizing different construction methods. The results of the pile load test program were compared to established methods of analyses including the FHWA (1999) method for drilled shafts. This comparison resulted in interesting and somewhat unanticipated findings, which are presented in this presentation. Some of the construction challenges in the installation of large diameter piles within an active airport in proximity to several buildings and major utilities (within a few feet) are also discussed.