LRFD resistance factors for driven piles in Providence, Rhode Island

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Date of Original Version

1-1-2014

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary calibration of region-specific resistance factors for two static capacity models for driven piles in Providence, Rhode Island. Current AASHTO LRFD bridge design specifications provide resistance factors for static capacity models commonly used in pile design. It is anticipated, however, that region- or site-specific resistance factor calibrations will lead to safer, more economical, and hence more sustainable pile designs. To perform the calibration, ultimate capacities were interpreted for 10 static loading tests performed on displacement piles driven to very dense glacial soils. Static capacity predictions were also made for the test piles using the Nordlund and SPT methods as outlined in the AASHTO bridge design specification. The first order second moment (FOSM) method was used to make preliminary estimates of the resistance factors for the two static capacity models using the bias data. New region-specific resistance factors of 0.20 and 0.42 were obtained for pile groups for the Nordlund and SPT methods, respectively. It is anticipated, however, that more economical pile designs could be achieved locally using the SPT method. © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Geotechnical Special Publication

Issue

234 GSP

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