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Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Axially Loaded Bored Piles Socketed in a Conglomerate Rock Mass

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Abstract

This paper presents the details of an experimental and numerical analysis performed on two 1.0 m and one 0.9 m diameter bored piles socketed in the conglomerate rock mass. The study investigates how shaft and base resistance contribute to load settlement behavior of piles built in poorly and well-cemented conglomerate rock mass. Two of the piles were constructed as complete sockets, and the third one is a shear socket only. The testing procedure included measuring pile cap settlement and deformations along with the pile (telltales and strain gauges). The results indicate that not only well cemented but poorly cemented conglomerate as well can sustain heavy surcharge before settlements indicating the commencement of full slip were reached. Numerical simulation of the socket with explicitly modeled roughness was applied to assess the influence of socket side surface strength on the behavior of the test pile. The parameters of numerical models were derived from back analysis of field pile load test combined with recorded socket side roughness and the strength parameters obtained by the direct shear tests of conglomerate intact specimens. The results were compared with the experimental observations, and a good level of agreement with measurements was confirmed.

Highlights

  • Reports the results of full-scale axially loaded bored piles socketed in a poorly cemented conglomerate rock mass, serving as a benchmark for verifying empirical models for piles of the relevant type.

  • Reports the pile shaft roughness data and intact strength of conglomerate rock samples.

  • Discusses and clarifies the pile-rock mass interaction.

  • Introduces a complex 2D numerical model including shaft roughness, significantly contributing to understanding the pile-rock mass interaction mechanisms.

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Acknowledgements

The pile testing program was implemented as part of construction works performed during the erection of the "Počitelj" bridge provided by a public company, Motorways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The pile load tests were performed at the initiative of the IPSA Institute, while the investigation works and the piles testing were performed by the Hering company supported by the Geo konzalting, Winner Project, Geoinvest and the faculty of Mechanical Engineering Mostar. The laser scanning measurements were completed by the Geobiro company, while the direct shear testing was organized at the faculty of Civil Engineering in Sarajevo. The authors express their deep gratitude for unrestricted access during the investigation works and in situ testing and collaboration with all parties involved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sarajevo, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Adis Skejić

  2. IPSA Institute, Sarajevo, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Dejan Gavrić

  3. Hering dd, Široki Brijeg, 88220, Široki Brijeg, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Mario Jurišić

  4. Faculty of Civil Engineering, University “Džemal Bijedić” Mostar, 88000, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Đani Rahimić

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  1. Adis Skejić
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Correspondence to Adis Skejić.

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Skejić, A., Gavrić, D., Jurišić, M. et al. Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Axially Loaded Bored Piles Socketed in a Conglomerate Rock Mass. Rock Mech Rock Eng 55, 6339–6365 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-022-02932-6

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