Unveiling the Future of Foundation Engineering: Tapered Steel Friction Pile Testing in Mobile, AL
The Loren Group, in collaboration with industry experts and public infrastructure personnel, was proud to be part of a groundbreaking initiative to test tapered steel friction piles (TSFP) in Mobile, Alabama. This joint venture aimed to fill the gap in modern test data for friction pilings, a crucial subset of deep foundation construction elements. Join us as we explore the steps of this innovative testing process and the key questions we sought to answer.
The Testing Initiative:
In mid-April, stakeholders from The Loren Group, Browning Enterprise Inc., Dr. Bengt Fellenius, and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) gathered at a donated ALDOT property near the I-10 Mobile Bay Bridge. This eight-week program, estimated to cost over $400,000, was a testament to the dedication and expertise of all involved.
Test Site and Setup:
The testing occurred at the corner of Addsco Rd. and Dunlap Dr., in a 3 ½ acre paved parking lot in front of the Austal Building. The site, owned by ALDOT, was fenced and secure, providing an ideal environment for our tests.
Testing Process:
The program involved driving five piles: two steel straight-side tubular piles and three steel tapered piles. Each pile was equipped with a steel cage for sensor placement and grouted after installation. Notably, one tapered pile required the 25-ft tapered section to be separated from the upper 40-ft straight section.
- Dynamic and Static Testing: The tests included both dynamic and static loading, with a bidirectional static pile loading test and conventional static and dynamic pile loading tests on tapered piles.
- Instrumentation: Each pile was equipped with sensors to collect data on force-movement relations, providing insights into the behavior of the friction piles under load.
Key Participants:
- Dr. Bengt H. Fellenius: The mastermind behind the test design and program, Dr. Fellenius brings his expertise from British Columbia, Canada.
- Sam Salem (SCAL): Conducting the test, Sam Salem from Ottawa, Canada, ensures precision and accuracy in data collection.
- Jerry Hart: As the primary coordinator, Jerry Hart played a crucial role in organizing and overseeing the test.
- Curtis Johnson, CEO of Jordan Pile Driving, led the pile installation.
- ALDOT: Serving as observers and offering assistance, ALDOT’s involvement was vital.
Goals and Objectives:
The primary goals of this testing initiative were:
- To understand the physics of the friction pile design and its interaction with residual forces and soil dynamics under external compressive loads.
- To compare the performance of a straight-sided round, steel tubular pile with a tapered steel tubular friction pile in coarse-grain soil.
Questions We Hope to Answer:
- How do tapered steel friction piles perform compared to traditional straight piles in various soil conditions?
- What insights can we gain about the force-movement relations of friction pilings under different loading scenarios?
- How can this data inform future foundation projects and improve construction practices?
Next Steps:
Following the completion of the test data, Dr. Fellenius and Dr. Sam Salem will analyze the data and prepare a comprehensive report. The findings will be shared with academics and infrastructure stakeholders and will be published in professional journals.
Conclusion:
This testing initiative represented a significant advancement in foundation engineering. We were excited to share these insights and look forward to the impact they will have on future projects. Stay tuned for more updates and results!
