Abstract:
Chicago’s Navy Pier and many of the surrounding structures are supported on driven piles. GRL has been part of two test pile programs at or in the immediate vicinity of the pier. A test pile program was performed at Navy Pier in 1992 to expand the dock and relieving platform. Another test pile program was performed at the Navy Pier Flyover Bridge in 2018 due to uncertain pile installation details. In both cases dynamic and static load tests were performed. The results of both programs are discussed, including:
- Soil setup observed at various times after installation
- Comparison of static and dynamic test results
- Comparison of results to dynamic formulas
The Flyover test pile program allowed for piles in question to be accepted and construction to successfully move forward. The suitability of dynamic formulas and keys to a successful test pile program will be discussed.