Development of Guidelines for Bearing Resistance of Large Diameter Open-End Steel Piles

2020Nicks, JenniferThe Contracting Officer's Representative was Dr. Jennifer Nicks (HRDI-40). Technical Reviewers included Naser Abu Hejleh, Michael Adams, and Silas Nichols.PDFTech ReportFHWA-HRT-20-011DTFH61-14-C-00036Piles (Supports)End bearing pilesLoad and resistance factor designBridge foundationsLarge diameter open-end pileLDOEPDriven pilesBearing resistanceBridge foundationsUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Infrastructure Research and DevelopmentPetek, KathrynMcVay, MichaelMitchell, RobertUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Infrastructure Research and DevelopmentShannon & Wilson, Inc.Turner-Fairbank Highway Research CenterNicks, JenniferAbu-Hejleh, NaserAdams, MichaelNichols, SilasFederal Highway AdministrationThis FHWA project seeks to research bearing resistance of large diameter open-end piles (LDOEPs) using the load and resistance factor design framework. The research evaluates existing static design methods using a new load test data set of steel LDOEPs in cohesive, cohesionless, and mixed soil conditions. The analysis includes development of steel LDOEP-specific resistance factors for each of the design methods considering multiple load test failure criteria, combinations of design methods, and combinations of side and base conditions. Statistical analysis and resistance factor calibration is performed using First Order Second Moment, First Order Reliability Method, and Monte Carlo simulations. The numerous combinations of methods and considerations result in over 6,000 resistance factor values. Resistance factor trends and considerations are discussed. The report concludes with a recommended design approach for LDOEPs and recommended resistance factors for LDOEP design.90