Abstract:
The capacity of a driven pile at end of drive varies as a function of several factors including the ground conditions, pile size and geometry, pile material, and installation method. Further, this capacity is known to vary with time following installation as a function of the preceding factors, pile testing protocol (in particular the timing of testing), loading history, and environmental conditions. Due to the range of factors that affect pile capacity, and the complex pile-soil interactions that occur during installation, many of which are time dependent, estimating pile capacity following pile installation to enable an efficient and verifiable pile design is a non-trivial undertaking. Due to this complexity, a critical component on any pile driving project is the development and application of an efficient and robust pile testing protocol to verify that the required pile capacity has been achieved. This testing protocol may allow for time-dependent effects, but such allowances should not cause unexpected delays to the construction program due to excessive waiting periods or equipment movements. In this paper, a brief overview of some mechanisms which affect pile capacity are outlined, followed by a discussion on key items to be considered when developing a practical pile testing protocol.