Full scale offshore pile tests in calcareous sands : de Andrade Martins, J C Proc 10th International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, Stavanger, 23–28 June 1991V1-Part B, P611–615. Publ New York: ASME, 1991

Abstract

The objectives were to measure engineering properties of local calcareous sand and to verify the feasibility of four non conventional offshore piled foundation. Full scale pile tests were conducted in 86 m water deep, first from semi-submersible drill rig and from a crane barge. Static pull out tests at three specific layers shown skin friction according literature, except strongly cemented deeper layer. Dynamic pile driving monitoring was used and closed end pile driving monitoring was used and closed end pile proved feasibility, reducing length compared with open end piles, satisfying design and economics considerations. Finally it's recommended to use template installation as a geotechnical testing to minimise design uncertainty and reducing costs without loss of safety, specially in calcareous soils.