Relevant data-based approach upon reliable safety factor for pile axial capacity

Abstract

Pile foundations are one of the significant marine substructure systems for a variety of offshore and onshore facilities. Thus, optimum and reliable design during their lifetime and under inherent uncertainties is noteworthy. Among various methods for predicting axial pile bearing capacity, cone penetration test (CPT)-based methods enhance geotechnical design to a more satisfying level due to continuous and reliable CPT records and their suitable performance in offshore environments. This article aims to reveal the importance of CPT and pile databases, especially in deltaic deposits. A new relevant CPT and pile data-based approach is introduced by assessing a few elaborated works on typical CPT and pile case studies. The proposed procedure assists in comparing the characteristics and conditions of a given pile with similar database cases through screening and, consequently, deciding on the design methods' priority. It is depicted that superior methods result in a more reliable design and higher resistance factors and efficiency ratios in load and resistance factor design (LRFD). Accordingly, it is engaged with lowered safety factors in the allowable stress design (ASD) approach. Eventually, upon various assessment criteria, the optimum site-specific methods are proposed leading to a performance-based design that can be realized in geotechnical practice.