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Federal Highway Administration
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Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology
Coordinating, Developing, and Delivering Highway Transportation Innovations
REPORT |
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Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-20-011 Date: February 2020 |
Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-20-011 Date: February 2020 |
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This report describes the development of guidelines for large diameter open-end piles (LDOEPs) made from steel. LDOEPs are a type of deep foundation element available for the support of transportation structures (e.g., bridges). In certain projects, for example, those with a need to support larger lateral, seismic, and axial loads, these foundations are preferred over similar size drilled shafts and/or pile groups because they provide a cost-effective solution while also addressing constructability and/or environmental concerns. However, current design guidance and codes are based on load tests for open-end piles with diameters less than 24 inches, casting doubt as to the reliability of static analysis methods to estimate the bearing resistance of LDOEPs in design. This report will be useful for geotechnical and bridge engineers, consultants, and contractors.
Cheryl Allen Richter, P.E., Ph.D.
Director, Office of Infrastructure
Research and Development
Notice
This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the use of the information contained in this document.
The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers' names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the objective of the document.
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Technical Report Documentation Page
1. Report No.
FHWA-HRT-20-011 |
2. Government Accession No. | 3 Recipient's Catalog No. | ||
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4. Title and Subtitle
Development of Guidelines for Bearing Resistance of Large Diameter Open-End Steel Piles |
5. Report Date
February 2020 |
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6. Performing Organization Code | ||||
7. Author(s)
Kathryn Petek, PhD, PE |
8. Performing Organization Report No. 21-1-22024-007 R1 |
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9. Performing Organization Name and Address
Shannon & Wilson, Inc. |
10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) | |||
11. Contract or Grant No.
DTFH61-14-C-00036 |
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12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address
Office of Infrastructure Research and Development |
13. Type of Report and Period Covered
Technical Report; September 2014–May 2019 |
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14. Sponsoring Agency Code
HRDI-40 |
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15. Supplementary Notes
The Contracting Officer's Representative was Dr. Jennifer Nicks (HRDI-40). Technical Reviewers included Naser Abu Hejleh, Michael Adams, and Silas Nichols. |
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16. Abstract
This FHWA project seeks to research bearing resistance of large diameter open-end piles (LDOEPs) using the load and resistance factor design framework. The research evaluates existing static design methods using a new load test data set of steel LDOEPs in cohesive, cohesionless, and mixed soil conditions. The analysis includes development of steel LDOEP-specific resistance factors for each of the design methods considering multiple load test failure criteria, combinations of design methods, and combinations of side and base conditions. Statistical analysis and resistance factor calibration is performed using First Order Second Moment, First Order Reliability Method, and Monte Carlo simulations. The numerous combinations of methods and considerations result in over 6,000 resistance factor values. Resistance factor trends and considerations are discussed. The report concludes with a recommended design approach for LDOEPs and recommended resistance factors for LDOEP design. |
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17. Key Words
Large diameter open-end pile, LDOEP, driven piles, bearing resistance, bridge foundations |
18. Distribution Statement
No restrictions. This document is available through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161. |
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19. Security Classification (of this report) Unclassified |
20. Security Classification (of this page) Unclassified |
21. No. of Pages
162 |
22. Price
N/A |
Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) | Reproduction of completed page authorized |
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