Using Cone Penetration Testing to Predict the Capacity and Drivability of Tapered Piles in Sands

Abstract

A site investigation, pile installation, and pile load testing program were performed at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFKIA) for the extension of the existing Terminal 4. As part of the site investigation, cone penetration tests were performed to characterize the subsurface conditions. The pile load testing program consisted of dynamic testing by means of the pile driving analyzer (PDA) and full scale static load tests. The results of the cone penetration tests, dynamic and static load tests, and pile driving records were analyzed to form a database of high quality, well-correlated data to inform the models. Characterization of the subsurface conditions at JFKIA and subsequent pile designs have traditionally been based entirely on the results of standard penetration tests or estimated from back-analysis of static load tests. The results of the cone penetration tests were compared to the PDA tests and the results of the static load tests. The results indicate that cone penetration tests can be used to accurately predict capacity and required embedment lengths for the tapered piles. The results of the cone penetration tests and correlation to the results of the PDA testing at EOID were then used to calibrate a one-dimensional wave equation analysis model to allow predictions of drivability and capacity at EOID for different hammer types and energies.