H-Piles bearing on shale
H-Piles bearing on shale
(OP)
When bearing on shale, should the bearing area be the projected overall area of the H-pile or the area of the steel or shoe? I know it depends on whether a plug forms but unfortunately it is not possible to directly view this. The shale is not considered friable with N-values typically in the range of 100 blows for 1-4 inches. The piles hit practical refusal at about 1 ft into the shale.





RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
I agree with VAD to use the structural strength of the pile (in other words, to use a capacity for the pile equivalent to a failure of the pile in compression). I practice in Ohio in the U.S. and we frequently drive piles to refusal in shale as you describe. The standard of practice is to refer to the compressive failure of the pile cross-section and to expect settlements that would correspond to the axial shortening of the pile itself. The ODOT website can give design guidance in this respect.
Glen
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
From a structural point of view in this situation, I use the cross sectional area of the pile.
Regards
VOD
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
VOD
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
Buckled piles can seem to be quite "stiff" on redriving, yet still have a diminished ultimate capacity. Proceed with caution -
Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora. See FAQ158-922 for recommendations regarding the question, "How Do You Evaluate Fill Settlement Beneath Structures?"
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale
Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora. See FAQ158-922 for recommendations regarding the question, "How Do You Evaluate Fill Settlement Beneath Structures?"
RE: H-Piles bearing on shale