SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 29 July 2019
STP161120170201

Wave Speeds in Large Diameter Open-End Steel Pipe Piles

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Open-ended pipe piles with diameters of 36 in. (914 mm) or larger and wall thicknesses in excess of 0.5 in. (13 mm) are increasingly being used for deep foundation support of large bridge projects in the United States. Over the last several years, initial driving dynamic test data from these large-diameter open-ended pipe piles on some bridge projects as well as on offshore platforms have indicated overall wave speeds for the measured length in excess of the commonly used value of 16,800 ft/s (5,122 m/s) for steel piles. Measurements were undertaken on a recent Minnesota bridge project to directly quantify the pile wave speed. Two pairs of accelerometers were positioned 64.2 ft (19.6 m) apart during the initial driving of a test pile. These dynamic test data indicated a most likely wave speed for the pile of 17,000 ft/s (5,182 m/s). Steel coupon testing also indicated a higher elastic modulus than commonly assumed. This paper presents the field dynamic test data and laboratory test results that indicate a faster wave speed and higher elastic modulus, with respect to standard values, observed on this project. Other recent cases supporting the use of a faster steel wave speed and higher elastic modulus are included and discussed. Recommendations are provided for dynamic testing on large-diameter open-ended steel pipe piles.

Author Information

Hannigan, Patrick
GRL Engineers, Inc., Cleveland, OH, US
Robinson, Brent
GRL Engineers, Inc., Cleveland, OH, US
Dasenbrock, Derrick
Minnesota Dept. of Transportation, Maplewood, MN, US
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Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 394–406
DOI: 10.1520/STP161120170201
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7668-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7667-6