Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council

Piles Arrive on Site

As the piles, concrete or steel, arrive on site it is the responsibility of the Inspector to examine them for evidence of damage and, if stored on site, verify they are stored properly. You need to ask these questions and review applicable specifications.

Concrete Piles

Is there a DOT stamp on the pile?
(the stamp indicates the pile met all specifications at the prestress yard)

Is the length/cross- section/size/prestress configuration correct for your job?
Did you physically measure the pile? The authorized casting length may have been, say 80 feet, but that doesn't mean they are actually 80 feet. They can be off several inches or more. You need to know and document the actual length.

Are the lifting eyes removed and epoxied?

Are there spalling/cracks, micro cracks or other damage visually apparent?
Any damage noted should be reported to your supervisor for evaluation.

Are prestress strands cut off below surface of concrete?

Did you determine which end is driving head (chamfer)?

For storage on job site, is dunnage placed at correct lifting positions and is placed so that it won't settle?

Example of micro cracks

Cracking of piles during transport and storage can be a problem. If not lifted supported properly, they can get this type of cracking. Standard Index Drawing 600 has the details on the proper lifting and dunnage points for concrete piles.