End shape and rotation effect on steel pipe pile installation effort and bearing resistance

Abstract

The current study focuses on the effect of the end shape of steel pipe piles on installation effort and bearing resistance using the pressing method of installation under dense ground conditions. The effect of pile rotation on the installation effort and bearing resistance is also investigated. The model steel piles with a flat end, cone end and cutting-edge end were used in this study. The test results indicated that cone end pile with the pressing method of installation required the least installation effort (load) and showed higher ultimate resistance than flat and cutting-edge end piles. However, pressing and rotation during cutting-edge end pile installation considerably reduces the installation effort (load and torque) if pile penetration in one rotation equal to the cutting-edge depth. Inclusion of rotation during pile installation reduces the ultimate bearing resistance. However, if penetration of the cutting-edge end pile equal to the cutting-edge depth in one rotation, the reduction in ultimate resistance can be minimized. In comparing the cone and cutting-edge end piles installed with pressing and rotation, the least installation effort is observed in the cutting-edge end pile installed with penetration rate equal to the cutting-edge depth per rotation.