Field Study of Composite Piles In the Marine Environment: Final Report

1006509615228662005Final ReportPDFTech ReportURITC FY01-03URI 536153Composite materialsComposite structuresConcreteConstructionDislocation (Geology)Fenders (Wharves)Fiber reinforced materialsField studiesHigh densityImpact loadsMarine engineeringPerformancePiers (Supports)Pile foundationsPiles (Supports)PipePlasticsPolymersReinforcing steelStressesLateralPolyethyleneComposite pilesImpact loadingFender pileDriving stressesUnited StatesConnecticutRhode IslandUniversity of Rhode Island. Transportation CenterMarinucci, AntonioBradshaw, Aaron S.Morgan, Russell J.Baxter, Christopher D. P.University of Rhode Island. Dept. of Ocean/Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Rhode Island. Transportation CenterUS Transportation CollectionThe regional state-of-the-practice for the construction of pile foundations, fender systems and earth retention systems in the marine environment is to use materials such as timber, steel and concrete. These materials are highly susceptible to attack by marine borers, corrosion, and decay. A possible alternative to traditional piling systems is the use of composite piles constructed of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). Composite piles have advantages over traditional piles including complete resistance to marine borer attack and corrosion. The primary objectives of this research were to improve the understanding of the performance of composite piles as a fendering system in the marine environment (1) during installation and (2) during normal fendering conditions. Technical issues studied include the short-term stresses generated during hard driving conditions and short-term behavior and displacement due to lateral impact loading. This was accomplished through two separate field studies in which concrete-filled FRP pipe piles and steel reinforced plastic piles were installed at a residential site in Old Greenwich, CT and along a pier at Fort Wetherill in Jamestown, RI. The piles in Old Greenwich were driven to failure with a hydraulic hammer and PDA and CAPWAP analyses were performed. The piles at Fort Wetherill were impacted with an 85 ton vessel at low speeds and the dynamic response of the piles was measured using accelerometers and displacement transducers. The results of this research provide useful field data for designers and researchers who want to evaluate the effectiveness of composite piles as fender piles.75