Characterizing Axial Stiffness of Individual Batter Piles with Emphasis on Elevated, Laterally Loaded, Clustered Pile Groups
Abstract
This report focuses on an investigation into the engineering characterization of the axial stiffness of individual compression piles embedded within soil. This characterization of axial stiffness is used in the analysis of a clustered pile groups deformation and load distribution response. Its impact on the computed pile group response is most pronounced among a clustered pile group containing batter piles. This characterization is important because the Corps is moving toward low-cost, pile-founded flexible lock approach walls. These walls absorb kinetic energy of barge-train impacts, which occur as the barge train aligns itself to enter the lock. One type of wall is comprised of an elevated impact deck supported by groups of clustered piles, some with batter. These impact decks are supported tens of feet above the mudline. A pushover analysis technique is used to establish the potential energy (PE) capacity and displacement capacity of individual batter pile groups accounting for the various pile failure mechanisms. An appropriate axial stiffness characterization will increase the accuracy of this computation. The total stored energy (PE) of the approach wall system will be the sum of the stored energy of all the pile groups reacting to the barge impact. The study concludes with a pushover analysis of a batter pile configuration used at Lock and Dam 3 flexible approach wall extension. Batter pile groups are constructed of steel pipe or H-piling, which are conducive to in-the-wet construction. This type of construction leads to a cost savings for Corps projects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1022499
Entities
People
- Barry C. White
- Robert M. Ebeling