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Existing Pile Cap check

Existing Pile Cap check

Existing Pile Cap check

(OP)

Hi -

I have been told to check a pile cap (20 ft x 20ft) on 7 piles (3 one side, another 3 right across and one pile at middle.
3ft-6" thick, 4" top cover and #9 @ 12" T/B.
To construct a trench they have cut a trench, place a pipe and filled to same floor elevation. In consequence, the have cut some rebars at top of pile cap.
May I ask where and how to check if this causes a negative effect on pile cap? Where to start and what to check?
If calcs demonstrate n issue, how do I fix it?

I appreciate direction? Any sample of Calcs with help tremendously.

Thank you

RE: Existing Pile Cap check

You need someone who does reinforced concrete design work, i.e. a structural engineer, to check the pile cap. Much will depend on how the pile cap is loaded. If the load is only gravity loading, then the top bars may not be doing much. If there is bending involved, that is different. As well as the removed reinforcement, the compression block at the top of the pile cap needs to be checked, and the filling over the trench would be the issue there. Also, shear could be an issue, and that would depend on the size of the pipe slot which was removed. In summary, and you probably know this, this should have been investigated prior to the plumbing butchery.

RE: Existing Pile Cap check

(OP)
Dear hokie66,

Thank you for your response. Have not much experience in the pile cap design.
I am not sure if this case is pile cap due to size of slab.

RE: Existing Pile Cap check

Assume no one knows why the cap was designed the way it is. You have to evaluated it completely, What loads it will see and what it can handle. If it cannot handle those loads then it needs to be repaired. Repairs are numerous but one will work best. You have to analyze it, we don't just up things up or pull from the air. If you cannot do that yourself, find a structural engineer who can and learn from them for the next one.

RE: Existing Pile Cap check

My message wasn't meant to be insulting. so i hope it din't come off that way. If you are unsure what is needed then ask your supervisor. Or present what you think needs to be looked at and ask if they think of anything else and what sort of solutions they know of off hand. Then do what you do! :)

RE: Existing Pile Cap check

(OP)
EngineeringEric thank you for your response. I thought this forum is meant people share their knowledge and kindly assist newer people that have not been in this profession long as them. I appreciate for solutions you offered. I am new especially to the area of repairs and fixes.

I am not running a company or a business so I give that out to a consultant. I am working to my ends met and cannot afford paying hundreds of dollars per hour to do this job for me. I thought by the direction of more senior structural engineers and people who have ran to similar situation in addition to my structural engineering background solve the problem.

Unfortunately at this point I am unable to get my supervisor help and don't have anybody to get direction. I believe some people have been in this position.

Anyway thanks all for the feedback.

RE: Existing Pile Cap check

You would help everyone if you will explain why there is the need to "check the pile cap". Will added loads be applied? Has there been a settlement? What does it support? Yes, this site is here to help with suggestions, but it does not provide any design work. Be as clear as you can, and don't worry about being correct in the English language.

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