Challenges in Design and Construction of Pile Foundation in Non-liquefiable and Liquefiable Soil

Abstract

Pile foundation is considered as a suitable and best foundation system at the site with the top stratum of soils possessing comparatively lower bearing capacity with respect to intended loads. It is also recommended at the site where soils possess susceptibly liquefaction potential (liquefaction prone site). In the present paper, it is studied various challenges encountered during the design and construction of pile foundations in non-liquefiable and liquefiable soils. It is also presented various suitable, appropriate, feasible and technically acceptable solutions adopted to overcome the same. In the present work, it is also investigated various suitable methodologies adopted for the construction of pile foundations considering site condition and size of projects. It is also briefed the engineering measures adopted at liquefaction prone site for pile foundation, ground improvements and liquefaction mitigation techniques. Various codes and their guidelines for construction, testing of pile foundation also briefed. It is observed, evaluation of various soil properties from the geotechnical investigation, evaluation of liquefaction potential of soil is very essential before selecting the appropriate pile foundation system and design the same in non-liquefiable and liquefiable soil. Suitable construction methodology also very essential to accomplish the execution of pile foundation safely, meeting desired quality and within the required time frame.