Factors Influencing the Prediction of Pile Driveability Using CPT-Based Approaches

Abstract

This paper investigates the applicability of Cone Penetration Test (CPT)-based axial capacity approaches, used for estimating pile static capacity, to the prediction of pile driveability. An investigation of the influence of various operational parameters in a driveability study is conducted. A variety of axial capacity approaches (IC-05, UWA-05 and Fugro-05) are assessed in unmodified and modified form to appraise their ability to be used in estimating the driveability of open-ended steel piles used to support, for example, offshore jackets or bridge piers. Modifications to the CPT-based design approaches include alterations to the proposed base resistance to account for the resistance mobilized under discrete hammer impacts and the presence of residual stresses, as well as accounting for the effects of static capacity increases over time, namely ageing. Furthermore, a study on the influence of various operational parameters within a wave equation solver is conducted to ascertain the relative impact of uncertain data in this respect. The purpose of the paper is not to suggest a new design procedure for estimating pile driveability, rather to investigate the influence of the various operating parameters in a driveability analysis and how they affect the magnitude of the resulting predictions. The study will be of interest to geotechnical design of piles using CPT data.