Analysis of Four Axial Compression Load Tests on High Capacity Augered Cast- in-Place Piles in the Texas Gulf Coast Soils

Four 460-mm diameter augered cast-in-place piles were tested in static axial compression for two high-rise residential projects in Houston, Texas. Pile capacities were evaluated from the interpreted failure load determined from the load-displacement curve for each load test based on Davisson offset criteria. Test specific α values were calculated based on the analysis of side resistance data. Based on the results of load tests, higher α values were used in the design to calculate side resistance for the production piles. The load tests provided useful information on the load transfer behavior of soils present in Texas Gulf Coast, and confidence in the design and construction of augered cast-in-place piles. The augered cast-in-place piles proved to be more economical than other deep foundation systems commonly used in the Texas Gulf Coast soils