Capacidad portante de pilotes empotrados en rocas considerando su aporte a fricción

Gilberto Quevedo

doi:10.4067/s0718-50732015000300004

Abstract

This article has the objective to show a study of different existing theories that consider the friction contribution of embedded piles in rock. It initially summarizes the adopted criteria for such theories and the coefficient ranges considered for the application of their basic expressions. The results of these theoretical analyses were applied in the solution of the foundations of a hotel, and its marine, built on the beach in the city of Varadero, Cuba. The study area presented a high geologic and engineering complexity, with highly variable stratification characteristics together with distinct soil and rock properties, where the presence of a calcareous stratum stands out in the deposit. The calcareous layer is found in a variable depth within the strata and has a quality ranging from very poor to good, where all the pile tips were founded. In order to obtain the bearing capacities from the designed piles, it was necessary to take into account their friction contribution within the rock, which was done by validating the existing theories through the execution of in situ pile load tests, combined with the use of theoretical models. This exercise allowed the establishment of practical coefficient values that were required by the theories in such particular site conditions. It was finally possible to yield design solutions for the deep foundations of this case history, which comprised over 2000 driven piles. Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2015, vol.30, n.3, pp. 189-199. ISSN 0718-5073. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732015000300004

Highlights

As known classical theories of Soil and Foundation Mechanics state, when a pile manages to become embedded in rock at least one time its diameter, that pile will work with support only at the tip and its friction contribution will not be taken into account, on the basis that the displacements at the tip of the pile will be negligible and pile-rock friction will not be generated
For cases where the piles are supported by low quality rocks, where they can be embedded in rock several times their diameter, the above statement is not true, and it is necessary to take the friction contribution within the rock into account when determining the ultimate bearing capacity of the pile
The engineering geological conditions of the area were very complex and variable, together with the existing soil and rock properties. This can be simplified in a stratification consisting of a series of soft soils, with variable thickness of fill, peat, silt and other very loose soils, none of which contribute to the bearing capacity of the piles, and a stratum of calcarenite, which appears at different depths and with very variable quality, from good to very poor

Summary

Introduction

As known classical theories of Soil and Foundation Mechanics state, when a pile manages to become embedded in rock at least one time its diameter, that pile will work with support only at the tip and its friction contribution will not be taken into account, on the basis that the displacements at the tip of the pile will be negligible and pile-rock friction will not be generated. The above statement is true when the piles rest on high quality rocks. For cases where the piles are supported by low quality rocks, where they can be embedded in rock several times their diameter, the above statement is not true, and it is necessary to take the friction contribution within the rock into account when determining the ultimate bearing capacity of the pile

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Findings

Conclusions