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Ejemplo Diseño de Pilotes
Ejemplo Diseño de Pilotes
Ejemplo Diseño de Pilotes
CHAPTER 23
PART 2
DEEP FOUNDATIONS DATE: 29Apr2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS – CHAPTER 23 SHEET 1 of 2
FILE NO. 23.TOC-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS – DEEP FOUNDATIONS
CHAPTER 23
PILE RESISTANCE
DRILLED SHAFTS
PART 2
DEEP FOUNDATIONS DATE: 29Apr2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS – CHAPTER 23 SHEET 2 of 2
FILE NO. 23.TOC-2
INTRODUCTION
It is the intent of this chapter to establish guidelines and specific requirements of the Structure
and Bridge Division for the design of deep foundations, including laterally unsupported piles,
specifically related to the use of steel H-piles and prestressed concrete piles subjected to scour
and biaxial bending. It provides design procedures and examples for determining the point of
fixity, effective length factor, ‘K’, and the structural capacity of these piles.
This chapter also provides a bridge specific example for determining the point of fixity for a
laterally loaded pile for use in Elastic Frame Analysis using commercially available software for
non-linear analysis of piles, L-Pile.
Point of fixities for both the existing or final profile and the scoured condition may need to be
determined. Shorter distances to points of fixities based on existing or final profile (non-scoured)
can control design in exterior spans of large units and affect bridge behavior. Example
calculations in this chapter show for scoured conditions, but non-scoured is similar.
References to the AASHTO LRFD specifications in this chapter refer to the AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Design Specifications, 7th Edition, 2014, and VDOT Modifications (current IIM-S&B-80).
The practices and requirements set forth herein are intended to supplement or clarify the
requirements of the AASHTO LRFD specifications, and to provide additional information to assist
the designer. In the event of conflicts(s) between the practices and requirements set forth herein
and those contained in the AASHTO LRFD specifications, the more stringent requirements shall
govern.
See Section 12.08 in Chapter 12 for general information on prestressed concrete piles.
Standards for prestressed concrete piles are located in the Manual of the Structure and Bridge
Division, Part 3.
See File Numbers 15.02-13 through 15.02-15 for additional information on drilled shafts.
NOTE:
Due to various restrictions on placing files in this manual onto the Internet, portions of the
drawings shown do not necessarily reflect the correct line weights, line types, fonts, arrowheads,
etc. Wherever discrepancies occur, the written text shall take precedence over any of the drawn
views.
PART 2
DEEP FOUNDATIONS DATE: 29Oct2021
INTRODUCTION SHEET 1 of 1
FILE NO. 23.00
GENERAL INFORMATION
When competent bearing soil is not present near the base of the proposed foundation, structure
loads must be transferred to a deeper stratum by using deep foundations. Deep foundations can
be composed of piles, drilled shafts or micropiles.
To transmit the load of the structure through a stratum of inadequate capacity to one of
adequate bearing capacity
To mitigate settlement
To transfer loads from a structure through erodible soil in a scour zone to stable underlying
strata
To resist lateral loads from earth pressure as well as external forces
PILE FOUNDATIONS:
Driven piles are the most common type of deep foundation used by VDOT.
Steel H-Piles
H-piles are used to transfer structure loads to an adequate point bearing stratum, usually weathered
rock or rock. These are considered non-displacement piles. H-piles offer high capacity, small
displacement, ability to penetrate obstructions and hard layers, simple splicing and the availability
of various sizes and lengths. Steel H-piles are better suited to penetrate weathered rock or
obstructions (boulders, buried rubble, etc.) than prestressed piles. Use HP10x42 unless a larger
pile is needed for design. Grade 50 shall be used and indicated in the General Notes.
Prestressed concrete piles (see BPP standards in Part 3 of this manual) are typically used as
friction piles where an adequate point bearing stratum is not achievable due to excessive depth,
primarily in the coastal plain. The advantages are high capacities and corrosion resistance,
especially when stainless steel strands or carbon fiber reinforced polymer strands are used (see
Section 12.08 of Chapter 12 in this manual). The disadvantages of prestressed concrete piles
include their vulnerability to handling damage, driving damage if stresses are not controlled and
difficulty in splicing. Prestressed concrete piles are generally square and non-tapered. Hollow
cylinder piles are sometimes used in marine applications with high axial or lateral loads. Cylinder
piles shall not be used unless approved by the District Structure and Bridge Engineer.
Minimum depths of footings and caps shall be based on the Pile Head Connection Detail from the
applicable BPP standard sheet.
Pipe piles, when driven open ended, provide similar advantages to H-piles. Pipe piles also offer
improved control during installation, can be cleaned out and driven further and provide high bending
resistance. When driven closed ended, they can be installed as friction piles. Pipe piles shall not
be used unless approved by the District Structure and Bridge Engineer.
Timber piles are not used to support vehicular structures. Timber piles can be used in fender
systems, pedestrian or shared use path bridges, culverts and as temporary piling when approved
by the District Structure and Bridge Engineer. The disadvantages of timber piles include lower
capacities when compared to other types of piles, vulnerability to damage during driving and
difficulty in splicing and subject to decay and marine borers in some cases. The advantages include
comparatively low initial cost, easy to handle and resistance to decay when permanently
submerged.
AASHTO LRFD Specifications require all pile designs to address the following:
Nominal axial resistance, pile type, and size of pile group, pile group interaction
Pile penetration required to meet nominal axial resistance and other design requirements
Minimum pile penetration (tip elevation) necessary to satisfy the requirements caused by
uplift, scour, downdrag, settlement, lateral loads, shear strength loss, and seismic
conditions
Foundation deflection should meet the established movement and associated structure
performance criteria
Nominal and factored structural resistances
Verification of pile drivability to confirm to acceptable driving stresses and blow counts can
be achieved
Long-term durability of the pile in service (i.e., corrosion and deterioration)
All limit state loading conditions and combinations applicable to the structure being
designed.
The following steps are a guide to the driven pile design process:
1. Determine general performance requirements for the structure including, but not limited to,
settlement, angular distortion, lateral deflection, shear strength loss, scour, etc.
2. Determine structure geometry, substructure locations and elevations.
3. Define general site geotechnical conditions (e.g. office study via geologic maps and any
historic borings), scour and seismicity.
4. Perform preliminary structure modeling. Determine preliminary substructure loads and
tolerable movements.
5. Develop and execute subsurface exploration and testing program for feasible foundation
systems.
6. Evaluate information and determine candidate foundation systems.
7. Determine if a deep foundation is required.
8. Select several candidate driven pile types and sections for further evaluation.
9. Calculate nominal and factored structural resistance.
10. Calculate the nominal and factored geotechnical resistance, as well as perform a
preliminary drivability assessment of candidate pile types.
11. Estimate the preliminary number of piles, group size and resolve individual pile loads at all
limit states.
12. Estimate pile penetration depth for axial compression loads and check group efficiency in
axial compression.
13. Establish minimum pile penetration depth for axial tension loads.
14. Establish minimum penetration depth for lateral loads.
15. Establish pile penetration depths that satisfy tolerable deformations based on group
settlement computations.
16. Evaluate pile drivability.
17. Determine location of neutral plane and magnitude of downdrag forces.
18. Does the computed total settlement, differential settlement and angular distortion satisfy
design requirements?
19. Evaluate economics of candidate pile types and/or sections.
20. Complete the preliminary design for all substructure locations.
21. Refine structure modeling and loads as required.
22. Did the loads significantly change requiring reevaluation of the foundation design?
23. Re-evaluate foundation stiffness and loads.
24. Does the design meet all limit state requirements?
25. Design pile caps and abutments.
26. Prepare plans and specifications, set nominal resistance field verification procedure.
27. Review plans and specifications for conformance with design.
An expanded discussion of each of the above steps is presented in the FHWA publication Design
and Construction of Driven Pile Foundations - Volume I and II (Hannigan, et al. (2016)).
A pile foundation transfers load into the underlying strata by either skin resistance, point resistance
or a combination of both. Any driven pile will develop some amounts of both skin and point
resistance. However, a pile that receives the majority of its support capacity by friction or adhesion
from the soil along its shaft is referred to as a friction pile, whereas a pile that receives the majority
of its support from the resistance of the soil or rock near its tip is referred to as an end bearing pile.
The design pile capacity is the maximum load the pile can support without exceeding the allowable
movement criteria. When designing a pile foundation, one of two items may govern the design –
the nominal geotechnical resistance or the structural resistance of the pile section. This section
focuses primarily on the geotechnical resistance capacity of a pile.
The factored load that is applied to a single pile is carried jointly by the soil or rock beneath the tip
of the pile and by the soil around the shaft. The total factored load is not permitted to exceed the
factored resistance of the pile foundation for each limit state. There are numerous static analysis
methods available for calculating the geotechnical resistance of a single pile. The axial
compressive resistance for driven piles shall follow the procedures provided in the AASHTO LRFD
Specifications. The methods found in the AASHTO LRFD Specifications are used to satisfy the
strength, service, and extreme event limit states.
in which:
Rp = qp Ap
Rs = qs As
Where:
Φstat = resistance factor the bearing resistance
Rn = nominal bearing resistance
Rp = pile tip resistance (kips) Load
Rs = pile side resistance (kips)
qp = unit tip resistance of pile (ksf)
qs = unit side resistance of pile (ksf)
As = surface area of pile sides (ft2)
Ap = area of pile tip (ft2)
Rs
Rp
Pile Resistance
The nominal resistance of driven piles at the strength limit state shall include the effects of scour
(design flood). The nominal resistance shall be developed beneath the scour elevation or depth;
however, the resistance developed in the scourable soils shall be determined and added to the
normal resistance to obtain the required nominal pile driving resistance (Rndr) for use during pile
installation.
The axial compressive design methodologies are based on either stress methods (total or effective)
or soil types (cohesionless or cohesive). As indicated in the above equations, the total axial
compressive resistance of a deep foundation is based on the combination of unit side resistance
and unit tip resistance values. Another factor that affects the axial compressive resistance of driven
piles is the type of pile being installed (i.e., non-displacement vs displacement).
For driven piles that will develop skin resistance in a layered subsurface profile consisting of both
cohesionless and cohesive soils, the appropriate method will be used for each soil type and the
nominal resistance determined by adding the results of the various layers together. For a soil layer
that is comprised of mixed cohesionless and cohesive components (i.e. clayey sand, sandy silt,
etc.), the axial resistance for the layer should be evaluated by both cohesive and cohesionless
methods with the actual resistance of the layer being the more conservative resistance.
There are numerous computer software packages available for determining the axial compressive
resistance of driven pile foundations. The preferred software package is the current version of
APILE developed by ENSOFT, Inc. APILE uses the Nordlund method for determining axial
resistance for cohesionless soils (tip and side resistance), while for cohesive soils the method is
used for determining the tip and side resistance. In APILE these methods are collectively called the
“FHWA Method”.
The method of installation significantly affects the degree of soil disturbance, the lateral stress
acting on the pile, the friction angle, and the area of contact. Shafts of prebored piles do not always
remain in full contact with the soil; therefore, the effective contact area is less than the shaft surface
area. Driving a pile in granular material densifies the soil and increases the friction angle. Driving
also displaces the soil laterally and increases the horizontal stress acting on the pile. Disturbance
of clay soil from driving can break down soil structure and increase pore pressures, which greatly
decreases the soil strength. However, some or all of the strength recovers following reconsolidation
of the soil due to a decrease in excess pore pressure over time. Nonetheless, designers should
use the initial soil strength values for design purposes. Furthermore, designers should note the
type and shape of a pile also affect the amount of skin resistance developed.
Setup, sometimes called “pile freeze”, is an increase in the nominal axial resistance that develops
over time predominantly along the pile shaft. Pore pressures increase during pile driving due to a
reduction in the soil volume, reducing the effective stress and shear strength. Setup may occur
rapidly in cohesionless soils and more slowly in finer grained cohesive soils as excess pore water
pressure dissipates. Setup can be used to carry applied load, providing the opportunity for using
larger pile nominal resistances. Signal matching analysis of dynamic pile measurements made at
the end of driving and later during restrike can be an effective tool in evaluating and quantifying
setup.
In Virginia, most piling driven east of the fall line (approximately east of Interstate I-95) in the coastal
plain will develop most of their capacity in friction. Dynamic testing on past driving operations have
shown significant pile setup after being driven. Increases of over 100% have routinely been seen.
Estimates of the setup from local experience can be used to set pile lengths to be used in the test
pile driving program for a project. However, the actual magnitude of setup should be determined
based on site specific data gathered from pile restrike testing with dynamic monitoring performed
on the driving test piles.
Pile driveability refers to the ability to be driven to a desired penetration depth and / or resistance.
Pile driveability checks shall be performed as part of both the design and construction process.
There are two methods for predicting and / or checking pile drivability:
Unique geotechnical resistance factors for each method are provided in the AASHTO LRFD
Specifications for analysis and level of resistance determination. All tests shall be performed in
accordance with the VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications.
Driveability is treated as a strength limit state. The analysis is used to document that available pile
driving hammers are capable of driving the pile to the required nominal resistance without
exceeding the factored structural resistance available.
Stresses developed during driving often exceed those of the most critical loading condition. Wave
equation analysis shall be used to evaluate the driveability and shall consider soil disturbance
during installation and time dependent strength changes.
During construction, additional wave equation analysis should be performed on the actual driving
system and pile cushions used. The model developed should be used to check for adequate
hammer energy, establish fuel settings, check compressive and tension stresses, and to see if the
penetration rate falls within an acceptable range.
During initial pile installation PDA testing only requires time to install the monitoring equipment.
Restrikes will require some additional time to perform (they can be performed at any point after
initial pile installation but prior to any subsequent pile cap construction), but are anticipated to
require less than a day for testing. PDA testing further allows for the resistance of the pile to be
determined relatively quickly and allows for a determination of stresses induced on the pile by the
driving equipment.
Static Load Test is the most accurate method to determine nominal resistance of a pile (if carried
to failure). While this method accurately determines the achieved nominal resistance and the
penetration required to achieve that resistance, it does not determine damage to the pile sustained
during installation. If static load testing is recommended for a project with driven piles, then dynamic
testing and wave equation analysis will also be required. Static load testing can add considerable
cost and add several weeks to a construction project. Optimally, static load test should be
performed as part of the design phase of a project when the test results can be more readily
incorporated in the design.
VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications also list the FHWA Gates Formula as a method for predicting
the nominal bearing resistance of a driven pile. The advantage of dynamic formulas is that little
engineering judgement is needed to perform the calculations and the immediate availability of the
predicted resistance results in minimal delay to the pile driving operation. However, dynamic
formulas have several disadvantages: they do not consider the entire driving system, variation in
hammer performance, nor energy losses due to pile stiffness; they do not provide the stresses in
the pile. Therefore, the inherent disadvantages for dynamic formulas are the formula accuracy and
reliability. This results in the resistance factor (dyn) for the formula being only 0.4. This low
resistance factor results in significantly longer pile lengths.
The use of a dynamic formula may be justified under the following conditions:
Small projects with a limited number of piles where the cost of the extra pile length resulting
from its use may be more economical than the cost of the testing and impact on the
construction schedule
When piles are driven to a hard bearing layer where little additional pile length may be
necessary to achieve the higher nominal resistance required by the dynamic formula
When more reliable resistance verification methods may not be economically justified
When pile foundations or pile bents are used, the following table must be provided either on
abutment and pier sheets or on the sheet with the Substructure Layout.
The resistance factor used to define the relationship between the nominal axial resistance and the
factored axial resistance is dependent on the method indicated in the General Notes used to
measure the nominal axial resistance during driving.
Where estimated tip elevations vary from one side of a substructure to the other (e.g. due to a
sloping rock) provide the range in the table.
Estimated tip elevations shall reflect the elevation where the required nominal axial resistance is
anticipated to be achieved and shall be shown in the table and on the geology sheets. A minimum
pile penetration should only be specified if necessary to ensure that all of the specified limit states
are met.
Minimum tip elevations must ensure the pile is of adequate length to resist the following conditions:
In general, the minimum design penetration for any pile shall be 10 feet and the estimated length
of all piling in the same footing should be the same length unless subsurface conditions dictate
otherwise. When non-uniform pile lengths are anticipated, the estimated length of each pile should
be shown on the plans. Piles driven through fill should penetrate at least 5 feet into the original
ground unless refusal or competent bearing strata occur at a lesser penetration. Pile lengths shall
be in whole foot increments.
Socketed Pile
If 10 feet of penetration is not feasible there is a possibility sufficient resistance of the pile to lateral
loads and uplift may not be achieved. Lateral capacity shall be analyzed and when the required
resistance cannot be developed, the pile should be placed in a bored hole and concreted in place
as shown below.
SECTION A - A
Driving test piles are used to determine pile installation characteristics, evaluate pile capacity with
depth and to establish production pile order lengths.
A site variability investigation should be performed for each substructure unit. Sites with very little
variation or well defined rock elevations may not require driving test piles. H-Piles that can be easily
spliced and driven to practical refusal usually do not require test pile driving. For sites where severe
driving conditions may occur the first production pile should be dynamically tested to ensure
maximum allowable pile stress is not exceeded.
For sites where friction piles are to be used, a driving test program is required. The number of
driving tests should be the greatest number of the following criteria:
Driving test quantity is not included in the production pile quantity. Diving test piles shall be 10 feet
longer than estimated pile lengths of the production piles. See Chapter 3 for list of bid items (and
units of measurement) to include in the plans. Test pile location(s) shall be designated on the plans.
Settlements are determined for the service and extreme event limit states. Typically, settlement is
limited to the amount required to develop side resistance, which in turn limits the amount of
movement at the pile tip thus reducing the amount of load carried by the tip. In addition, the elastic
shorting of the pile due to load should be included in the overall settlement. The inclusion of elastic
shortening is required, since this movement will affect the performance of the structure.
The settlement of a pile group is likely to be many times greater than that of any individual pile.
This is due to the greater zone of soil undergoing increased vertical stress beneath the pile group.
Sequence of construction can be important when evaluating total settlement and angular distortion.
The effect of embankment settlements, as well as settlement due to structural loads should be
considered when the magnitude of total settlement is estimated.
Tolerable deformations are limited by the structure type and function, design service life, and
anticipated performance at respective displacement levels. Vertical, horizontal, and rotational
displacements should be considered during design. Total settlement shall be limited to 2 inches at
each substructure unit. Post construction settlement shall be limited to 1 inch at each substructure
unit.
Angular distortions in the longitudinal direction should be limited to 0.004 radians for multi-span
bridges and 0.005 radians for single span bridges. Angular distortions in the transverse direction
should be limited to 0.001 radians.
When calculated total settlement and calculated differential settlement (the difference in settlement
between adjacent substructure units) are equal to or less than ½”, no addition analysis is required.
Methods to evaluate tolerable vertical deformations and angular distortions are presented in the
FHWA publication Design and Construction of Driven Pile Foundations - Volume I (Hannigan, et
al. (2016)).
Downdrag
When a pile penetrates a soft layer subject to settlement, the designer must evaluate the force
effects of downdrag (negative skin resistance) on the foundation. Downdrag acts as an additional
permanent axial load on the pile. Only a small amount of settlement (approximately 0.4”) is
necessary to mobilize these additional pile (downdrag) loads. Small magnitude downdrag loads
may cause additional foundation settlement. If the downdrag load is of sufficient magnitude,
structural failure of the pile or bearing failure at the tip is possible. When this condition is present,
the design may require: additional time to allow the consolidation to occur before pile driving;
ground improvements to mitigate the effects; or specifying a nominal pile driving resistance required
to withstand the downdrag plus structure loads.
The design approach specified in the AASHTO LRFD Specifications treats downdrag force as an
additional load to be resisted in the geotechnical strength limit state analysis. However, downdrag
force does not affect geotechnical resistance.
Additional information on evaluating downdrag and methods to reduce its effect are presented in
the FHWA publication Design and Construction of Driven Pile Foundations - Volume I (Hannigan,
et al. (2016)).
Lateral Loads
Battered piles are used to resist lateral loads. Vertical piles can be designed to withstand significant
lateral loads, and a foundation consisting of only vertical piles designed to resist both axial and
lateral loads is more flexible, and thus more effective at resisting dynamic loads. The design of
laterally loaded piles must evaluate the pile structural response and the soil deformation to lateral
loads. The nominal structural resistance must be determined and the pile deformation under service
loading conditions must be calculated and compared to foundation performance criteria. The soil
resistance along the pile should be modeled using P-y curves developed for the soils at the site.
Computer programs are available for analyzing single piles and pile groups. Program output
provides distributions of depth versus deflection, moment, shear, soil and pile moduli and soil
resistance for the entire length of pile, including moments and shears in aboveground sections.
Lateral deformations of the abutment shall be limited to 1.5 inches .
Scour
Scour is a hydraulic erosion process caused by flowing water that lowers the grade of a water
channel or riverbed. The design of pile foundations shall consider the effects of scour (based on
the design flood) on the resistance and length requirements of the foundation as part of the strength
and service limit state design.
The bridge designer is responsible for requesting a Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis (H&HA)
report from the Location and Design Hydraulics Section. The bridge designer will also need to
provide borings to the river mechanic for a scour analysis.
Upon receipt of the completed H&HA report the Bridge Designer should forward it to the individual
responsible for preparing the Major Structures Report (MSR). The MSR should include
recommendations on the nominal pile resistance, estimated pile tip elevations and the locations of
driving test piles. Total and differential settlements under service loads should be evaluated.
Recommendations on the type of field verification method for pile driving should also be included
in the MSR so that appropriate resistance factors can be established.
The nominal resistance of the piles shall be determined for the soils beneath the scourable soils.
Since the material in the scour zone may be present when the piles are driven, resistance in that
zone shall be included when determining the required driving resistance. Minimum tip elevation
shall be included as necessary. Pile driveability shall be investigated. Pile foundations shall also
be checked to ascertain that the soils beneath the design flood scour depth have sufficient
resistance to the extreme event II loads.
For design-build projects the scour limits should be established and included in the request for
proposals (RFPs).
Uplift
Unbalanced loads, both permanent and intermittent, acting on a pile system may induce uplift. Such
forces may occur from hydrostatic uplift, cofferdam seals, frost uplift and wind uplift. Foundations
shall be designed so that piles will not be required to resist uplift forces unless approved by the
District Structure and Bridge Engineer. The prestressed concrete piles in the BPP standards in Part
3 shall not be used for uplift resistance.
When uplift of H-piles is allowed by the District Structure and Bridge Engineer, the uplift anchors
shown in the following figure shall be used.
When checking uplift at the strength limit states, the designer shall use a nominal resistance of 87.5
kips for each #8 V-bar with a resistance factor of 0.25 (i.e. two #8 V-bars has a total nominal
resistance of 175 kips). At the extreme event limit states, the designer shall use a resistance factor
of 0.40. The minimum pile embedment shall be 12”. But the pullout resistance of the pile
embedment shall not be taken into account.
Battered Piles
Vertical piles are preferred. Battered piles are used when there is insufficient lateral soil resistance.
If battered piles are used, a refined analysis is required. Both the lateral passive resistance of the
soil above the footing as well as the sliding resistance at the base of the footings shall be neglected
in the design. Assumed hammer efficiencies must be reduced to estimate drivability when battered
piles are used.
Piles requiring excessive batters become difficult to drive and axial resistance becomes difficult to
predict. The maximum batter shall be 1 horizontal to 3 vertical (1H:3V). Ensure that battered piles
do not intersect other piling, utilities, or structures. Battered piles shall not be used where negative
skin friction (downdrag) loads are anticipated.
Pile Points/Shoes
Heavier foundation loads, driving into sloping rock surfaces or soils with obstructions all have the
potential to cause pile damage while driving. If left unprotected under these conditions, the pile toe
may deform and separation of the H-Pile flanges and web may occur. Manufactured pile points /
shoes are available in various shapes and styles. Pile tip reinforcement (consisting of steel plates
welded to the flanges and web) is not permitted.
Open-end pipe piles are vulnerable to damage when driven through or into dense materials or
materials containing obstructions. Pile toe attachments reduce the possibilities of toe damage and
limit pile deflection. Closed-end pipe piles are most frequently installed with a flat plate welded to
the pile toe.
The specific types of pile points / shoes should be specified for the given subsurface conditions.
Pile points / shoes shall be used if driven to refusal.
Additional information on pile points / shoes is presented in the FHWA publication Design and
Construction of Driven Pile Foundations - Volume I and II (Hannigan, et al. (2016)) and the VDOT
Road and Bridge Specifications.
See AASHTO LRFD Specifications, Article 10.7, with VDOT Modifications, current IIM-S&B-80.
Vibration damage can be a concern during construction, especially during pile driving operations.
The selection of the pile type and hammer must consider the proximity of surrounding structures
that may be damaged due to high vibration levels. Pile driving operations can cause ground
displacement, soil densification, and other factors that can damage nearby buildings, structures,
utilities, and can be a nuisance to humans.
Whenever pile driving operations pose the potential for damage (usually pile driving located within
approximately 100 feet) a vibration monitoring program should be implemented.
This program consists of requiring and reviewing a pile driving plan submittal, conducting pre-
driving and post-driving condition surveys and conducting vibration-monitoring with an approved
seismograph during pile driving operations. The tables below provide allowable thresholds for peak
particle velocity measurements during pile driving operations.
DEFINITIONS:
D must be ≥ 3D ̅ for
fixity to be assumed
Top
Bottom
Top: R_free & T_free R_fixed & T_free R_free & T_fixed
Bottom: R_fixed & T_fixed R_fixed & T_fixed R_fixed & T_fixed
Pier bent on single row of Pier bent on piles with Integral abutment on
piles with load applied in load applied in piles with load applied in
longitudinal direction transverse direction longitudinal direction
Standard penetration
resistance 0 2 4 8 16 32
N = No. of blows per ft.
Unit weight, pcf (saturated) 100 - 120 110 - 130 120 - 140 130+
Based on N = 27, a medium-dense soil is assumed. Use Tables 1 and 3 on File No. 23.02-3 to
determine the value of nh by performing linear interpolation between a medium soil (N = 20, n h =
1.11), and a dense soil (N = 50, nh = 2.78); nh = 1.5 ksi/ft
29,000(393) 29,000(127)
E p Ix = = 79,146 kip ∙ ft 2 E p I𝑦 = = 25,576 kip ∙ ft 2
144 144
5 E p Ix 5 79,146
̅ x = 1.8 √
D = 1.8 √ = 5.86 ft
nh in2 (AASHTO C10.7.3.13.4-2)
1.5 x 144 2
ft
5 E p Iy 5 25,576
̅ y = 1.8 √
D = 1.8 √ = 4.68 ft
nh in2 (AASHTO C10.7.3.13.4-2)
1.5 x 144 2
ft
5 nh 1
δx = √ = 0.307 δx ∙ D = 15.35 > 4 ∴ fixed end
E p Ix ft
5 nh 1
δy = √ = 0.385 δy ∙ D = 19.24 > 4 ∴ fixed end
E p Iy ft
D 50
̅
=
Dx 5.86
= 8.53 > 3 ∴ fixed end
D 50
=
̅ 𝑦 4.68
D
= 10.69 > 3 ∴ fixed end
̅ x = 10 ft + 5.86 ft = 15.86 ft
𝑙x = Scour Depth + D
̅ y = 10 ft + 4.68 ft = 14.68 ft
𝑙y = Scour Depth + D
Note: Soil modulus is reduced for pile spacing < 8 times the pile width, see Article C10.7.3.13.4.
(For this example, since a specific pile spacing is not provided, no reduction is assumed.)
4 E p Ix 4 29000(393) 1
̅ x = 1.4 √
D = 1.4 √ x = 7.42 ft (AASHTO C10.7.3.13.4-1)
Es 0.698 in
12
ft
4 E p Iy 4 29000(127) 1
̅ y = 1.4 √
D = 1.4 √ x = 5.59 ft (AASHTO C10.7.3.13.4-1)
Es 0.698 in
12
ft
4 Es in 1
βx = √
E p Ix
x 12 = 0.189
ft ft
βx ∙ D = 9.44 > 2.25 ∴ fixed end
4 Es in 1
βy = √
E p Iy
x 12 = 0.25
ft ft
βy ∙ D = 12.52 > 2.25 ∴ fixed end
D 50
̅
=
Dx 7.42
= 6.74 > 3 ∴ fixed end
D 50
=
̅ y 5.59
D
= 8.94 > 3 ∴ fixed end
̅ x = 10 ft + 7.42 ft = 17.42 ft
𝑙x = Scour Depth + D
̅ y = 10 ft + 5.59 ft = 15.59 ft
𝑙y = Scour Depth + D
Determination of the point of fixity for a layered soil condition is based on a trial and error approach,
using an initial assumption of nh, selected based on the soil conditions observed. In this case, the
values for nh were determined using linear interpolation based on the “compactness” description of
the soil from the provided “N” values, and the n h values provided in Table 1 on File No. 23.02-3.
5 EI 5 79,146
̅ = 1.8 √
D = 1.8 √ = 7.303 ft
nh in2 d2 = 3.303 ft
0.50 x 144
ft 2
Due to rigidity of pile and soil profile, point of fixity does not extend into third soil layer; therefore,
recalculate fixity based on two-layer soil profile.
̅:
Calculate second moment of area for two-layer soil diagram taken about D
3 nhi d3i
nh = ∑ ( + nhi di yi2 )
̅3
D 3
3 0.417(4)3 2
0.60(3.303)3
= ( + 0.417(4)(2 + 3.303) + + 0.60(3.303)(1.652)2 )
7.3033 3 3
ksi
= 0.527
ft
̅:
Use new nh to calculate new D
79,146
̅ = 1.8 5
D = 7.226 ft
√ in2 d2 = 3.226 ft
0.527 x 144
ft 2
3 0.417(4)3 2
0.60(3.226)3
nℎ = ( + 0.417(4)(2 + 3.226) + + 0.60(3.226)(1.613)2 )
7.2263 3 3
ksi
= 0.526
ft
79,146
̅ = 1.8 5
D = 7.228 ft
√
0.526 x 144
in2 ∴ Use this value as convergence.
ft 2
K𝑙
≤ 120; For primary members
r
Determine axis for elastic critical buckling resistance:
Kx 𝑙x Ky 𝑙y K𝑙
If > , Use about the x-axis, otherwise use about the y-axis
rx ry rs
π2 E
Pe = 2 Ag
K𝑙 (AASHTO 6.9.4.1.2-1)
( )
rs
π2 ECw Ag
Pe = ( + GJ) ( ) (AASHTO 6.9.4.1.3-1)
(K z 𝑙z )2 Ix + Iy
b E
If ≤ 0.56 √ , then: Q s = 1.0 (AASHTO 6.9.4.2.1-1)
t Fy
E b E b Fy
If 0.56 √ < ≤ 1.03√ , then: Q s = 1.415 − 0.74 ( ) √ (AASHTO 6.9.4.2.2-1)
Fy t Fy t E
b E 0.69E
If > 1.03 √ , then: Q s = (AASHTO 6.9.4.2.2-2)
t Fy b 2
Fy ( )
t
Po = Q s Fy Ag
Pe P
( o)
If ≥ 0. 44 , then: Pn = [0.658 Pe ] Po (AASHTO 6.9.4.1.1-1)
Po
Pe
If < 0. 44 , then: Pn = 0.877Pe (AASHTO 6.9.4.1.1-2)
Po
Pr = ∅c Pn (AASHTO 6.9.2.1-1)
Sx λf − λpf
If λpf < λf ≤ λrf , then: Mnx = 1 − (1 −
Zx
) Fyf Zx
E
0.45√
[ ( Fyf)]
(AASHTO 6.12.2.2.1-2)
Sy λf − λpf
Mny = 1 − (1 − ) Fyf Zy
Zy E
0.45√
[ ( Fyf)]
If λf > λpf , then: Mnx = Fy Sx
(AASHTO C6.12.2.2.1)
Mny = Fy Sy
Mry = ∅f ∙ Mny
(AASHTO 6.12.1.2.1-1)
Mry = ∅f ∙ Mny
Where: ∅f = 1.0 for combined axial & flexural resistance of H-piles as specified in Article 6.5.4.2
Pu Pu Mux Muy
If < 0.2 , then: +( + ) ≤ 1.0 (AASHTO 6.9.2.2-1)
Pr 2.0Pr Mrx Mry
Pu Pu 8 Mux Muy
If ≥ 0.2 , then: + ( + ) ≤ 1.0 (AASHTO 6.9.2.2-2)
Pr Pr 9 Mrx Mry
HP Shapes
Dimensions
Web Flange
Area, Depth,
Shape A d
Thickness, Width, Thickness,
tw bf tf
in. 2 in. in. in. in.
HP14x117 34.4 14.2 0.805 14.9 0.805
x102 30.0 14.0 0.705 14.8 0.705
x89 26.1 13.8 0.615 14.7 0.615
x73 21.4 13.6 0.505 14.6 0.505
HP12x84 24.6 12.3 0.685 12.3 0.685
x74 21.8 12.1 0.605 12.2 0.610
x63 18.4 11.9 0.515 12.1 0.515
x53 15.5 11.8 0.435 12.0 0.435
HP10x57 16.8 9.99 0.565 10.2 0.565
x42 12.4 9.70 0.415 10.1 0.420
Properties
K x 𝑙x K y 𝑙y
= 79.47 = 73.9 (See coarse grain soil example.)
rx ry
Kl
𝑟
< 120, ∴ element satisfies limiting slenderness ratio requirement.
K x 𝑙x K y 𝑙y K𝑙
Since > critically bucking, , will be determined about the x-axis.
rx ry 𝑟𝑠
in in
K z 𝑙z = 2.1(15.86) x 12 = 399.67 in K y 𝑙y = 1.2(14.68) x 12 = 211.4 in
ft ft
Since K z 𝑙z > K y 𝑙y , torsional buckling and flexural torsional buckling shall be applicable:
π2 ECw Ag
Pe = ( + GJ) ( ); where G = 0.385 ∙ E = 1.12x104 ksi
(K z 𝑙z )2 Ix + Iy
π2 (29000)(4080) 15.5
=( + 1.12x104 (1.12)) ( )
(399.67)2 393 + 127
= 590.57 kip
b 6 E E b E
=
t 0.435
= 13.79 > 0.56√ = 13.49
Fy
∴ By inspection, 0.56√ < ≤ 1.03√
Fy t Fy
b Fy 6 50
Q s = 1.415 − 0.74 ( ) √ = 1.415 − 0.74( )√
t E 0.435 29000
= 0.991
E 29000
λrf = 0.83√
Fy
= 0.83√
50
= 19.99 ∴ Section is non-compact.
Pu 124
= = 0.40 ≥ 0.2
Pr 312
Kl
≤ 22 : For compression members not braced against sidesway
r
Per AASHTO 5.9.4.2, the allowable stresses at the serviceability limit state after prestress losses
shall be such that:
Tension stresses:
P M∙c
fcpe + − >0 ksi, for components with unbonded prestressing tendons
Ag Ig
ksi, for componenksi,
> −0.19 ∙ √f′c for components with bonded prestressing tendons
subjected to not worse than moderate corrosion
conditions
> −0.0948 ∙ √f′c ksi, for components with bonded prestressing tendons
subjected to severe corrosion conditions
Compression stresses:
P M∙c
fcpe + + ≤ 0.45 ∙ f′c ksi, compression due to prestress plus permanent loads
Ag Ig
P M∙c
fcpe + + ≤ 0.60 ∙ f′c ksi, compression due to prestress plus total load
Ag Ig
Properties
Compressive stress in concrete due to
Section Radius of effective prestress forces only (after
Area Moment
Size Modulus Gyration allowances for all prestess losses), fcpe
Ag of Inertia Ig
in. S r psi
in.2 in.4
in.3 in. Std. PS ** Stainless ** CFRP
Strands Steel Strands Strands
12 144 1728 288 3.46 751 871 783
14 196 3201 457 4.04 834 850 854
18 324 8748 972 5.20 835 867 861
20 400 13333 1333 5.77 806 876 839
24 576 27648 2304 6.93 751 747 783
* Values for fcpe taken from VDOT Standard BPP Plan sheets
** With square strand pattern
in
Kl 1.2(60 x 12 ft ) ∴ Slenderness effects shall be considered.
= = 249 > 22
r 3.464
P M∙c
fcpe + − > −0.19 ∙ √f ′ c
Ag Ig
P M∙c 72 (132)(6)
fcpe +
Ag
−
Ig
= 0.751 +
144
−
1728
= 0.793 ksi > −0.424 ksi ∴ Tension OK
P M∙c
fcpe + + ≤ 0.45 ∙ f′c
Ag Ig
P M∙c 72 (132)(6)
fcpe +
Ag
+
Ig
= 0.751 +
144
+
1728
= 1.71 ksi < 2.25 ksi ∴ Compression OK
P M∙c
fcpe + + ≤ 0.60 ∙ f′c
Ag Ig
P M∙c 72 (132)(6)
fcpe +
Ag
+
Ig
= 0.751 +
144
+
1728
= 1.71 ksi < 3.0 ksi ∴ Compression OK
For 12” prestressed concrete pile using standard prestess strands, fcpe is the same value for both
square and circular strand patterns. For pile sizes with different values, check serviceability
stresses for both patterns.
Reference:
Teng, W. C. 1962. Foundation Design. Prentice-HalI, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
The design of a pile foundation requires the designer to consider factors involving performance,
costs and methods of construction. Two aspects of design are the computation of loading that
will cause the pile to fail as a structural member and the level of loading that will cause an
unacceptable lateral deflection. This step-by-step procedure describes the use of an acceptable
software program that has the capacity to develop p-y curves to determine the pile length to
establish fixity. The final pile length (structural length) can then be used to determine the
structural capacity of the selected pile.
1. Collect all relevant data, including the soil profile, soil properties, magnitude and type of
loading, and performance requirements for the structure being analyzed. Since limiting
deflection criteria is a service condition, the loads used will be service limit state (unfactored).
2. Select a pile type and size for analysis. If a prestressed concrete pile is chosen, reinforcing
will also be needed to determine pile properties. The analysis program selected may then
compute remaining pile information used for analysis.
3. Develop site specific p-y curves based on in-situ data. The designer can obtain the soil data
required from the selected analysis software using boring logs in conjunction with Tables 1
through 3 on File No. 23.02-3. Alternatively, soil parameters can be obtained directly from a
geotechnical engineer. Most analysis programs have the ability to select p-y curves for each
soil layer based on the provided soil input information. Alternatively, the user may input
developed p-y curves.
4. Run software analysis using an initial pile depth based on the limiting project specific
deflection criteria. Plot deflection verse depth curves for each load case under study.
Several trial sizes and depths may be required to achieve the established design criteria.
After the deflection criteria has been satisfied, the determination of fixity can be determined
from the plots of Pile Depth verse Deflection.
5. Select the point of fixity from the plotted curves. Point of fixity is where the deflection curve
crosses the zero line when subjected to service lateral loads. There is no universal opinion
as to whether fixity should occur at one or two crossings of the zero line. Choosing fixity at
the second crossing would be a conservative assumption and will be used for this example.
The software used in this sample analysis is L-Pile 2016, Version 9. L-Pile is a multi-purpose
program that can analyze a pile subjected to lateral loading. It computes deflection, shear,
bending moment and soil response with respect to depth in nonlinear soils. The soil and rock is
modeled using lateral load transfer curves (p-y) based on either published recommendations, or
alternatively, user input p-y curves developed for each soil layer. Several types of pile head
loading conditions may be selected along with the structural properties of the pile.
The determination of point of fixity for a laterally loaded pile requires a pile deflection verse pile
depth curve for all of the chosen load cases, as well as the soil profile along the length of pile.
For this analysis, loads at the service limit state were chosen. Soils information from the boring
logs was used in conjunction with the corresponding values for the soil properties provided in
Tables 1 through 3 on File No. 23.02-3. The Coefficient of Horizontal Subgrade Reaction (k) was
chosen by L-Pile using the user provided information.
1. The loads used for this example are per pile and unfactored. The loads used are 134 kips
vertical, 4.15 kips lateral longitudinal, 6.68 kips lateral transverse.
2. Moment at the top of pile was not used for this analysis. Both a fixed and free head (i.e., top
of pile) condition is achievable without moment input, and therefore was not calculated for
this example.
3. Since this analyses is for point of fixity, service limit state loads were used. Pile head
deflection may have a limiting value depending on performance criteria that has been
established. For this example, ½ inch at the top of pile is used.
4. Pile group effects were not considered.
5. In the longitudinal direction, the pile is assumed to be in a free head condition (i.e., rotation
free and translation free). In the transverse direction, the pile is assumed to be in a fixed
head condition (i.e., rotation fixed and translation free; slope equals zero).
Soils:
1. Soil properties used were determined using boring logs in conjunction with Tables 1 through
3 on File No. 23.02-3.
2. A 3.5 foot scour depth was assumed for this example.
Results:
1. Plots of pile head deflection verse pile depth for scour and non-scour conditions are shown
on File Nos. 23.03-3 and -4, respectively.
2. The analysis considers the nonlinear properties of the soils. For this example, the effects of
scour can be seen as negligible as shown by the top of pile deflections of the plots.
3. From both plots, the first inflection point is at a depth of approximately -18 ft. for the free head
condition and approximately -23 ft. for the fixed head condition. The second inflection point
occurs at approximately -36 ft. for both cases. The second inflection point is chosen for fixity
and an unbraced length of 36 ft. below the pile head is assumed for determining the structural
capacity of the pile.
In Table 1,
HP Pile Size: Although many HP pile sizes are listed in the table, not all of them are readily
available in market. Designer should consider pile availability before choosing pile size.
Nominal Structural Resistance, Pn, of HP pile calculated by multiplying the pile yield stress
strength (Fy) and the pile cross sectional area (As) for a fully braced pile (i.e., the entire pile is
embedded in soil) and converting to tons. Structural resistance in combined compression and
bending shall be checked separately. Additionally, a reduced value of P n per AASHTO 6.9.4 shall
be used for piles that are partially unsupported.
Resistance Factor, ϕc, for axial resistance of piles in compression and subject to damage due to
severe driving conditions where use of a pile tip is necessary (AASHTO 6.5.4.2). ϕ c of 0.4 shall
be used for VDOT projects for piles driven to hard rock and IGM (if applicable).
Factored Axial Resistance, Pr, used in design with dynamic pile testing with signal matching as
the field verification method. Pr = Pn x ϕc. Pr shall not be less than the maximum factored axial
load applied to the pile.
Nominal Axial Resistance during driving, R n,dr, with dynamic pile testing with signal matching as
the field verification method. Rn,dr = Pr / 0.65.
Factored Axial Resistance, Pr, used in design with wave equation analysis as the field verification
method. Pr = Rn,dr x 0.50.
PILE RESISTANCE
10X42 310 0.40 124 191 95 191 76 191
DEEP FOUNDATIONS
12X53 388 0.40 155 238 119 238 95 238
Less commonly used HP piles
10X57 420 0.40 168 258 129 258 103 258
12X63 460 0.40 184 283 142 283 113 283
12X74 545 0.40 218 335 168 335 N/A N/A
12X84 615 0.40 246 378 189 378 N/A N/A
14X73 535 0.40 214 329 165 329 N/A N/A
AXIAL RESISTANCE OF HP PILES END BEARING ON ROCK (continued):
PART 2
N/A = Not Applicable
SHEET 2 of 6
FILE NO. 23.04-2
DATE: 31Oct2019
AXIAL RESISTANCE OF HP PILES END BEARING ON ROCK (continued):
Nominal Axial Resistance during driving, R n,dr, with wave equation analysis as the field verification
method. It should be noted that Rn,dr with wave equation analysis is set to equal to the Nominal
Axial Resistance during driving, R n,dr, with dynamic pile testing with signal matching in order to
control the driving stresses in the pile.
Factored Axial Resistance, Pr, used in design with Modified Gates Equation as the field
verification method. Pr = Rn,dr x 0.40.
Nominal Axial Resistance during driving, Rn,dr, with Modified Gates Equation as the field
verification method. It should be noted that R n,dr with Modified Gates Equation is set to equal to
the Nominal Axial Resistance during driving, R n,dr, with dynamic pile testing with signal matching
in order to control the driving stresses in the pile. Modified Gates Equation cannot be used when
Rn,dr is more than 300 tons.
The following simplified example (i.e., neglecting individual loads, load position, eccentricity of the
pile group, etc.) demonstrates how to use TABLE 1 in pile design and how to prepare the PILE
DATA TABLE.
Assume an abutment footing has 10.25 ft width and 47 ft length. The maximum factored vertical
load (P) and moment (M) acting at the bottom of footing are 2505 kips and 6625 kips-ft,
respectively (see figure below). Therefore, it is determined that steel HP piles driven to hard rock
can be used to support the abutment.
Based on experience of similar abutment design and loadings, it is assumed 2 rows of HP 10X42
steel piles, i.e. front and back rows, will be sufficient. Considering the minimum and maximum
pile spacing, and minimum distance from the outer piles to the edge of footing, it was determined
that a minimum of 5 HP 10X42 piles and a maximum of 16 HP 10X42 piles can be placed within
each row.
P = 2505
kips
M= 6625 k-ft
B F
X
Summing the forces in z-direction and taking moment about Point B, the reactions on the front
and back rows are:
Assuming Dynamic Pile Testing with Signal Matching will be used as the field verification
method, the factored axial resistance for HP 10X42 is 124 tons/pile or 248 kips/pile from TABLE
1.
Therefore, the number of HP 10X42 needed at the front row = 2107 kips/248 kips = 8.5.
For comparison, if Wave Equation Analysis with Field Confirmation of Hammer Performance
will be used as the field verification method instead of dynamic pile testing, the factored axial
resistance for HP 10X42 is 95 tons/pile or 190 kips/pile from TABLE 1.
Therefore, the number of HP 10X42 needed at the front row = 2107 kips/190 kips = 11.1.
Use a minimum of 12 piles at front row, which is 3 more piles than would be required if dynamic
pile testing would have been used.
For comparison, if Modified Gates Equation will be used as the field verification method instead
of dynamic pile testing, the factored axial resistance for HP 10X42 is 76 tons/pile or 152 kips/pile
from TABLE 1.
Therefore, the number of HP 10X42 needed at the front row = 2107 kips/152 kips = 13.8.
Use a minimum of 14 piles at front row, which is 5 more piles than would be required if dynamic
pile testing would have been used.
Generally, the smallest pile size meeting design requirements should be used to limit the size of
hammer required. Where the number of piles required in a row would exceed the minimum pile
spacing and minimum distance to edge of footing or a wider pile spacing is desired (not
exceeding the maximum spacing), increasing the pile size can be considered.
The total preliminary cost using each field verification method should be compared to determine
the appropriate method for actual design. The total number of piles for each method should be
multiplied by the anticipated length and unit cost. The number of pile tests for each field
verification method should be determined looking at site specific aspects of the project and
minimum criteria in AASHTO Article 10.5.5.2.3. The unit cost of the tests shall be multiplied by
the number and added to the cost of the piles.
The effects of corrosion from environmental conditions shall be considered in the selection of pile
type and in the determination of the required pile cross-section.
Factors that contribute to corrosion include the presence of soluble salts, soil and water resistivity,
soil and water pH, and the presence of oxygen. The site conditions that may lead to accelerated
corrosion include, but not limited to, landfills, cinder fills, mine or industrial drainage, salt or brackish
water, exposure to the atmosphere, abrasive water flow, deicing salts, and soil that may impose
stray electrical current.
The site shall be treated as corrosive environment if any of the following is met:
Soil or water that has a minimum resistivity less than 3,000 ohm-cm (AASHTO T 288) or has a pH
less than 6.0 (AASHTO T 289)) is required to be tested by a certified lab for chlorides (AASHTO
T291) and sulfates (AASHTO T 290).
Steel piles may be used in corrosive soil or water environments with a corrosion allowance or
sacrificial metal loss. Sacrificial metal loss or corrosion allowance is the thickness of metal (above
what is structurally required for the pile) needed to compensate for loss of metal that will occur as
the pile corrodes.
The sacrificial steel thickness (inches) for steel piling exposed to corrosive soil, non-brackish or
non-salt water environments shall use the values in the following table. The values are based on a
75-year design life. These sacrificial thickness requirements are applicable for soils that exceed
one or more of the aggressive soil criteria.
(1) Steel piles including concrete filled pipe piles shall not be used in the areas where the
chlorides exceeds 500 ppm or sulfates exceeds 1000 ppm.
(2) For steel H-piles, the total sacrificial steel thickness includes both sides of the web and
flanges that are exposed to the corrosive soil or water. Where steel pipe piles are
approved, one-half the total sacrificial steel thickness may be used regardless of
whether the pipe is concrete filled or not.
where,
Site Condition A: H-piles that are completely buried in ground. They will not be exposed to
water, or where water table, Dw > 15 feet.
Site Condition B: H-Piles that are partially buried in ground and where water table, Dw > 15
feet. For H-piles in the as-constructed condition that are “completely
buried in ground”, but are designed to account for partial exposure due
to settlement, erosion, dredging, future construction, scour, stream
channel migration or any other post construction event.
Site Condition C: H-Piles that are completely buried in ground and totally immersed in
water.
Site Condition D: H-Piles that are completely or partially buried in ground and partially
immersed in water and where water table, Dw ≤ 15 feet.
Site Condition D
When a site condition meets multiple Site Conditions, the lower sacrificial steel thickness
may be used.
Existing fill or disturbed soils are typically more corrosive than non-disturbed soils due to the
increase of the amount of oxygen available in the disturbed soil to drive the corrosion process. A
disturbed soil is a soil in which digging, backfilling, or other soil upheaval has taken place. Driven
steel piles generally have the majority of their length in undisturbed soil. However, excavation and
backfilling for footings and pile caps creates a region of disturbed soil near the top of the piles,
increasing the availability of oxygen and the probability of corrosion. For steel piling driven into soils
(whether disturbed or undisturbed), the region of greatest concern for corrosion is the portion from
the bottom of the pile cap down to 3 feet below the lowest groundwater elevation.
Soil evaluation for pH, Chlorides (ppm), Sulfates (ppm) and Resistivity (ohm-cm) is required at each
geological soil formation.
Resistivity should be determined under the most adverse condition (i.e., a saturated state) in order
to obtain a resistivity that is independent of seasonal and other variations in soil-moisture content.
The use of pipe piles in corrosive environment will only be allowed with the approval of the State
Structure and Bridge Engineer.
No corrosion allowance (sacrificial metal loss) is necessary if the pH value of the soil or water is
greater than 6.0 and the resistivity is greater than 3000 ohm-cm.
Other steel structural elements such as sheet piles, sign supports, sound barrier walls, post and
panel retaining walls, etc. should be evaluated for corrosive potential but are not covered in this
section.
For foundations supporting bridge structures, conditions favorable to the use of drilled shafts
include the following:
Drilled shafts have some advantages and limitations as shown in the following table.
Advantages Limitations
Drilled shafts can also be used for other types of transportation structures such as sound walls,
retaining structures, and ancillary structures.
The latest special provision for drilled shafts is available from Central Office Structure and Bridge
Engineering Services Program Area.
Because drilled shafts are sensitive to subsurface conditions and construction techniques used, it
is critical that the designer be familiar with these factors so that drilled shafts are designed
appropriately. The keys to successful design and construction of drilled shafts are outlined below.
Subsurface Investigation:
A thorough subsurface investigation is required not only for the design of drilled shafts
but also for construction. Items such as groundwater level, soil
gradation/classification/density/consistency, presence of rock ledges or other
obstructions, rock hardness and other relevant geologic features which may affect
drilling are important for planning and executing work, and should be addressed in the
subsurface investigation report. Refer to the Materials Division Manual of Instructions,
Chapter III for minimum subsurface investigation requirements.
Appropriate Specifications:
Specifications must include provisions which are both constructible and which provide
the required means of quality assurance in the completed project. An understanding of
construction techniques and the potential influence of construction must be
incorporated into specifications which are appropriate for the specific project.
Quality Assurance:
Drilled shafts are cast-in-place reinforced concrete structures which are sometimes
constructed under difficult circumstances. In order to ensure that reliable foundations
are constructed, a rigorous program of inspection and testing is essential.
Various methods of construction have been adopted to address site-specific subsurface conditions.
All of these approaches as well as the properties of the concrete can affect the integrity and the
load carrying capacity of the finished shaft.
Dry construction can only be performed in soil formations that are inherently stable when excavated
and where ground water is not present. Any intrusion of ground water into the excavation can
degrade the structure of the surrounding soil and reduce the capacity of the shaft. In wet
construction, a slurry is placed in the excavation that is capable of maintaining a net positive
pressure against the walls of the excavation. The slurry shall be natural, mineral or synthetic.
Mineral slurries consist of a bentonite or attapulgite clay premixed with water to produce a stable
suspension. Mineral slurries are slightly denser than water. A differential above ground water is
specified in the special provision and shall be maintained at all times during introduction and
extraction of the drilling tool. This head differential initially causes a lateral flow into the surrounding
soil which is quickly slowed by the formation of a filter cake. Soil particles can be easily suspended
in this type of slurry for extended periods of time allowing concrete placement to be conducted
without significant amounts of debris accumulation.
Synthetic slurries consist of a mixture of polymers and water. A head differential is specified and
shall be maintained at all times during introduction and extraction of the drilling tool. This head
differential also causes lateral flow into the surrounding soils, but a filter cake is not formed. Rather,
the long strings of the polymer stabilize the excavation walls by clinging to the soil as they flow into
the soil matrix. As such, the flow remains relatively uniform and generally will not slow. The soil
typically falls out of suspension relatively quickly when using synthetic slurries which permits debris
to be removed from the bottom in a timely manner.
Casing:
Wall stability can also be maintained by using either partial or full-length casing. A casing is a
relatively thin walled steel pipe that is slightly larger in diameter than the drilling tool. It can be
driven, vibrated, jetted or oscillated (rotated) into position prior to excavation. A casing can be
temporary or permanent. The purpose of the casing is to provide stability to weak soils where
slurries are ineffective or to bring the top of shaft elevation to a level higher than the surface of free-
standing bodies of water. Shafts constructed over water must use permanent casing. The method
of installing and removing temporary casing can also effect the capacity of the finished shaft.
Oscillating removal can increase side shear resistance over vibrated or direct extraction methods.
Extracting a casing to quickly can induce necking in the shaft due to low pressure developed at the
base of the extracted casing.
The practical upper limit of shaft length is on the order of 30 diameters with the exception of full-
length temporary casing. This limit may be exceeded with the use of special equipment.
Since drilled shaft concrete is not vibrated, the maximum aggregate size must be small enough to
permit unrestricted flow through the steel reinforcing cage. In dry construction, free-fall concrete
placement may be allowed, however, a limit should be set on the depth of fall depending on the
conditions. The velocity of the falling concrete can produce higher lateral pressures on the
excavation walls, increase concrete density and decrease porosity/permeability. However, care
must be taken to ensure the concrete does not damage the reinforcing cage. Concrete hitting the
cage may cause mis-alignment of the reinforcing and cause segregation of the concrete. In wet
construction a tremie or concrete pump must always be used to eliminate the possibility segregation
of fine and coarse aggregate or mixing of the concrete with the insitu slurry. Refer to the drilled
shaft special provision for concrete requirements.
Settlement:
Settlement is typically limited to the amount required to develop side resistance, which in turn limits
the amount of movement at the shaft tip, thus reducing the amount of load carried by the tip. In
addition, elastic shorting of the shaft due to load should be included in the overall settlement. The
inclusion of elastic shortening is required, since this movement will affect the performance of the
structure.
The settlement of a shaft group is likely to be many times greater than that of any individual shaft.
Sequence of construction can be important when evaluating total settlement and angular distortion.
The effect of embankment settlements, as well as settlement due to structural loads should be
considered when the magnitude of total settlement is estimated.
Tolerable deformations are limited by the structure type and function, and anticipated performance
at respective displacement levels. Vertical, horizontal, and rotational displacements should be
considered during design with the bridge designer’s input. Total settlement shall be limited to 2
inches at each substructure unit. Post construction settlement shall be limited to 1 inch at each
substructure unit.
Angular distortions in the longitudinal (traffic) direction shall be limited to 0.004 radians for multi-
span bridges and 0.008 radians for single span bridges. Angular distortions in the transverse
direction shall be limited to 0.001 radians.
When calculated total settlement and calculated differential settlement (the difference in settlement
between adjacent substructure units) are equal to or less than ½”, additional analysis is not
required.
Downdrag:
Settlement may occur in a sand stratum of low initial relative density in response to cyclic loading,
which can be caused by traffic vibrations or seasonal fluctuations in the groundwater level. When
a drilled shaft extends through a soft clay layer, settlement may be minimal if there is no surface
loading. However, the addition of fill, such as an approach embankment, or lowering of the
groundwater level could induce considerable consolidation settlement that may continue long after
the drilled shafts have been installed.
The cases described above are typical of ground conditions leading to downdrag. However, any
condition that results in relative downward movement of the ground relative to the drilled shaft has
The recommended approach to evaluate downdrag is based on the Neutral Plane Method as
described and discussed in NCHRP 393. This method should be used in evaluating the structural
strength and geotechnical service limit states respectively.
Lateral Loads:
For lateral loading, the design can be controlled by geotechnical or structural strength requirements
or by serviceability (deformation) conditions. These conditions are described as follows:
In general, deflections are not a controlling consideration for this condition; however, a
computed deflection which is sufficient to cause collapse of other portions of the
structure could represent a strength limit. The most critical lateral loading conditions
affecting the geotechnical strength limit state are often associated with transient wind
or extreme event load cases.
Structural Strength Limit State (strength of the shaft in flexure and shear):
The shaft should be of sufficient size and constructed with the necessary reinforcement
to resist the bending moment, shear and axial loads that will be imposed on the drilled
shaft.
The shaft should be of sufficient size and depth that the lateral deformations and
rotation under service load conditions are within tolerable levels of the structure at the
critical locations (typically at the top of the column). Design for lateral loading must
include a determination of the deformations and/or stiffness of the drilled shaft in lateral
translation and rotation so that the effects of foundation deformation can be considered
in the analysis of the structure.
Deformation limits shall be chosen based upon actual serviceability requirements for the structure.
Deformation and rotation computed at the top of shaft for a single column, single shaft foundation
can be amplified at the pier cap for a pile bent. Structures such as overhead signs or sound walls
are not particularly sensitive to deformations, but some serviceability limits may be established for
aesthetics, functionality, or other considerations. Some extreme event load cases (for example, the
check flood for scour or some seismic loadings) may not include serviceability requirements.
Lateral deformations at the top of drilled shafts shall be limited to 1.0 inch at the service limit state
and 1.5 inches at the extreme limit state.
Scour:
The design of shaft foundations shall consider the effects of scour on the resistance and length
requirements of the foundation.
Uplift:
Unbalanced loads, both permanent and intermittent, acting on a shaft system may induce uplift.
Such forces may occur from hydrostatic uplift, cofferdam seals, frost uplift and wind uplift.
Foundations shall be designed so that shafts will not be required to resist uplift forces.
DESIGN PROCESS:
The design of drilled shafts incorporates engineering principles, experience on previous projects,
constructability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. The design process may vary depending on the
contracting process. Preliminary design may include significant calculations (which may be revised
multiple times) based on preliminary site investigation or only rudimentary estimates based on
experience gained from similar projects. The final design phase may require numerous iterations
in order to achieve an optimal design and to accommodate constructability concerns. It is
particularly important that a review of major design issues as well as those issues pertaining to risk
identification and constructability is performed early in the process of planning, preliminary design
and foundation type selection.
A thorough geotechnical investigation is critical and can minimize the potential for deviations in
planned tip elevations. In addition to the drilled shaft plans and special provision, interactions
between the designer and construction and inspection personnel are very helpful so that the design
can be implemented properly and so that any unusual deviations from expected conditions can be
identified and addressed appropriately. The designer must always be aware that the reliability of a
drilled shaft is inherently tied to the observational method in the field during construction and the
verification that the design is constructed appropriately for the ground conditions actually
encountered at each shaft location.
For structural details, refer to Chapter 15, file numbers 15.02-13 through 15.02-15.
While not part of the design process, the designer will usually be
asked to participate in the following construction related processes.
The designer must be aware of the difference in the required displacements to develop resistance
from side-wall shear and end bearing. For instance, in sand the side-wall shear component can
develop 50% of ultimate capacity at a displacement of approximately 0.2% of the shaft diameter
(D) and develop fully in the range of 0.5%D to 1.0%D. In contrast, the end bearing component
requires a displacement of 2.0%D to develop 50% of its capacity and fully develop in the range of
10%D to 15%D. Therefore, a 4 foot diameter shaft in sand can require up to 0.5 inches
displacement to develop ultimate side resistance and 7.2 inches to develop ultimate tip resistance.
AASHTO Specifications designate the displacement for ultimate end bearing to be 5%D but
recognize the increase in capacity at larger displacements.
When determining the tip resistance as well as side resistance of drilled shafts in rock, the quality
of rock and type of rock can greatly affect these values. In competent rock the structural resistance
of the concrete usually controls the design. However, these parameters are influenced by drilling
equipment, driller experience and the type of core barrel used to retrieve the samples. The designer
should make some attempt to correlate the rock quality to the rock cores in consultation with the
geotechnical engineer.
A rock socketed drilled shaft may be designed as a side-wall shear, end bearing or a combination
of both. Rock sockets require relatively small movements to develop full capacity when compared
to sand or clay strata. Where the base of the drilled hole cannot be cleaned and inspected or where
it is determined that large movements of the shaft would be required to mobilize resistance in end
bearing, the drilled shafts may be designed as side-wall shear alone. A rock socket may be
designed for all end bearing instead of side-wall shear where sound bedrock underlies low strength
overburden materials, including intermediate geomaterials (IGM).