Reuse of Existing Piled Foundations
Reuse of Existing Piled Foundations
(OP)
I am currently researching the possibility of reusing existing piles. Its coming along nicely but im finding it very difficult to come across good information on using new piles and existing piles together. My biggest factor is combating differential settlement. I propose using a form of shear wall between the piles to combat the settlement. I was wondering does anybody have any relevant papers or helpful advise. Thanks.
Patrick
Patrick





RE: Reuse of Existing Piled Foundations
If you have information on the structure that was supported by the piles, compare the old loads to the new loads and take a look at how long the old load was applied.
Consider performing a load test on the existing piles.
I'm not sure how a shearwall between piles would help with differential settlement. Look at a pile cap and/or grade beam arrangement instead. Hope this helps.
RE: Reuse of Existing Piled Foundations
RE: Reuse of Existing Piled Foundations
The key to success is having a pile cap (or foundation, if it is a building) that is a tradional, but conservative, design that can withstand unexpected pile load distributions. If this is accomplished, you don't get differential settlement; you force all piles to settle the same amount. The result is that some piles carry more load than others; with information gathered by load testing, as suggested by Motor City, this can be compensated for.
www.SlideRuleEra.net
RE: Reuse of Existing Piled Foundations
If the piles are not up to snuff, the pile group could be augmented with additional piles.
The design should be conservative, as per SlideRuleEra, but good data can keep the construction within reason.