Forensic on Construction Induced Failure of Pipe Pile Foundations

This paper introduces a case where pipe piles failed during construction. The accident happened when constructing the Jiaoxi Pumping Station project in the southern China. The site consists of very soft sludge and silt deposits. Pipe piles were used as foundation under the station structure. The installed pipe piles were observed to show significant inclination during the construction. A forensic investigation was performed. The driving forces for pipe pile failure were attributed to the lateral load induced by the excavation activities. Small strain integrity test and inclination measurement were taken to determine the location of breakage and the extent of inclination. The test results combined with theoretical analysis were able to determine the cause of pipe pile failure. Remediation measures were designed and implemented based on the results of forensic analyses. Recommendations were proposed to guide construction activities on soft soil deposit. The results of implementing these guidelines during remediation construction were satisfactory