steel pipe pile under varying subsurface conditions

[dsheth]

This is for 24" pipe piles with 0.5" thickness filled with concrete as the foundation type retaining walls. These piles are short and each pile is placed after predrilling hole to the required depth and then the concrete is placed within this steel pipe pile. It is assumed that the concrete and steel act as one unit. Under one of the walls, the pipe pile embedment occurs in an approximate 6-foot soft clay layer. Although the pipe pile lengths are sufficient for the lateral loads, will the soft clay layer cause for settlement problems? The piles cannot increase in length due to constraints.

 

[Robert168]

Short piles are usually end bearing piles and the bottoms should be driven to a certain depth into a sound layer, otherwise settlement is likely to be a problem.

 

[Robert168]

What is even worse is that these piles supported by soft clay are under one of the walls. Differential settlement is likely to occur if not properly structurally reinforced.

 

[DRC1]

How high is the wall? How deep are the piles? How soft is the clay? Get undisterbed samples, do a U-U test with pore pressure measurements and an oedemeter test. Do a bearing capacity and settlement analysis. Once you have some information, you can make a determination. Why can't the piles go deeper? That might be the best solution.

 

[Focht3]

And please explain the installation technique. Are you concerned about damaging a nearby structure?



Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[BigH]

Sorry - this is a strange way to install a pipe pile - drill to the depth, drop down a steel pipe, fill with concrete????? Why not just a drilled shaft??????? I'd say, at first glance, that something is fishy if the depth of the pile is controlled by factors other than technical - else why would you stop the pile in soft clay????