Pile Driving in Marine Structures: What Can Go Wrong?: Fid-Bau Portal

Pile Driving in Marine Structures: What Can Go Wrong?

Zanjani, Vincent / Valcour, Georges / Silva, Joe

Piles are deep foundation elements that play a crucial role in supporting substantial structural loads, particularly in the construction of heavily loaded port structures and bridges. Pile driving involves the installation of piles into the shoreline and/or seabed. These piles can be composed of different materials, including wood, concrete, steel, or a combination thereof. This article aims to provide an overview of pile driving fundamentals, highlight the common issues faced during the pile driving process, and potential solutions to address these challenges. The typical problems encountered in the advancement of displacement piles on large-scale marine projects are considered to include overrunning of piles, driving piles out of alignment, failing to account for obstructions, unexpected soil conditions, pile damage, lateral movement in adjacent piles, pile handling, and pile driving analysis issues. During pile installation, it is not uncommon to observe substantial differences between the field measurements obtained using a pile dynamic analyzer (PDA) and the axial capacity predicted by a GRLWEAP analysis. These discrepancies often arise when incorrect parameters are employed in the analysis. It is crucial to meticulously evaluate factors such as pile type, axial capacity, and site conditions during the design phase. Additionally, this article underscores the utmost significance of conducting a thorough soil investigation, including an understanding of the site’s geology and development history. If necessary, conducting an indicative test pile program also helps to ensure the success of pile foundation design and construction.