Evaluation of EURIPIDES pile load tests response from CPT data

Abstract

Cone penetration tests (CPT) are used to evaluate the nonlinear axial load-displacement-capacity performance of a large driven pile from the EURIPIDES project. The 0.76-m diameter pile was driven open-ended in dense sands at Eemshaven, The Netherlands, and tested in static compression and tension at three successive penetration depths: 30.5m, 38.7m and 47.0m. The profiles of four independent readings with depth [total tip resistance (qt), sleeve friction (fs), mid-face porewater (u1) pressure, and shear wave velocity (Vs)], provided by seismic piezocone tests (SCPTu) were utilized to evaluate the soil engineering parameters at the site. These parameters were employed in a rational manner for the axial capacity evaluations. Other direct CPT methods that allow the SCPTu readings for pile capacity evaluations were also utilized to obtain unit pile side friction (fp) and end bearing (qb). The Vs readings enable the determination of the small strain shear modulus (Gmax) profile that provides the initial fundamental stiffness for the axial load-settlement response by integrating the elastic continuum solution and modulus reduction curves.