Analysis of Bearing Capacity of Rock Socketed Pre-Bored Super Strength Piles Based on Dynamic Load Test Results

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of bearing capacity of pre-bored super strength PHC (SSPHC) piles socketed in rocks based on dynamic load test results. Because the SSPHC piles have high compressive concrete strengths compared with those of regular high strength PHC piles, the allowable structural strengths of the SSPHC piles were increased. For optimal design of the super strength PHC piles, the geotechnical bearing capacity of the SSPHC piles should also increased to balance the increased allowable structural strength of the SSPHC piles. Current practices of pile installation apply the same amount of driving energy on both SSPHC and high strength PHC piles. As results of analyzing factors that influence bearing strength of SSPHC piles using dynamic load test, there was no relationship between SPT-N value at pile toe and end bearing capacity. But driving energy effects on end bearing capacity. In case of skin friction, driving energy had no effects. And reasonable method verifying design bearing strength is necessary because end bearing capacity is not considered sufficiently in restrike test results.