See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/378527759

Vertical bearing capacity of spun precast concrete pile in liquefiable soil: a

case study

Article in Geotechnical Research · February 2024

DOI: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029

CITATIONS READS

4 530

5 authors, including:

Khondaker Sakil Ahmed Mohiuddin Ahmed

Military Institute of Science and Technology Military Institute of Science and Technology
91 PUBLICATIONS 876 CITATIONS 11 PUBLICATIONS 20 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Mehedi Ansary Md Zoynul Abedin

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
214 PUBLICATIONS 1,423 CITATIONS 32 PUBLICATIONS 224 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Khondaker Sakil Ahmed on 28 February 2024.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Accepted manuscript

As a service to our authors and readers, we are putting peer-reviewed accepted manuscripts (AM)

online, in the Ahead of Print section of each journal web page, shortly after acceptance.

Disclaimer

The AM is yet to be copyedited and formatted in journal house style but can still be read and

referenced by quoting its unique reference number, the digital object identifier (DOI). Once the

AM has been typeset, an ‘uncorrected proof’ PDF will replace the ‘accepted manuscript’ PDF.

These formatted articles may still be corrected by the authors. During the Production process,

errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to

the journal relate to these versions also.

Version of record

The final edited article will be published in PDF and HTML and will contain all author

corrections and is considered the version of record. Authors wishing to reference an article

published Ahead of Print should quote its DOI. When an issue becomes available, queuing

Ahead of Print articles will move to that issue’s Table of Contents. When the article is published

in a journal issue, the full reference should be cited in addition to the DOI.

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Submitted: 11 June 2023

Published online in ‘accepted manuscript’ format: 27 February 2024

Manuscript title: Vertical bearing capacity of spun precast concrete pile in liquefiable soil: a

case study

Authors: Kh. Afia Farzana1, Khondaker Sakil Ahmed1, Mohiuddin Ahmed1, Mehedi Ahmed

Ansary2, Md. Zoynul Abedin1

Affiliations: 1Department of Civil Engineering, Military Institute of Science & Technology

(MIST), Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of

Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Corresponding author: Khondaker Sakil Ahmed, Department of Civil Engineering, Military

Institute of Science & Technology (MIST), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

E-mail: drksa@ce.mist.ac.bd

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Abstract

Spun precast prestressed concrete (SPC) pile has been used in many parts of the world as a viable

foundation alternative. This study assesses the load-carrying capacity of SPC piles passing

through a deep soft subsoil layer and resting on a dense sand layer. The vertical bearing

capacity of the SPC pile has been estimated using various analytical methods and static pile load

tests for the Jolshiri area of Dhaka. The liquefaction potential of the site has been assessed using

local seismic site conditions, field and laboratory test data. The liquefaction analysis suggests

that the topsoil layer is liquefiable to a depth of 4.5m. The capacity obtained from the load test

is compared with those obtained from the different methods, ultimate push-in load, and local

design guidelines. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed considering the hardening soil

(HS) model using PLAXIS 3D to simulate field conditions. The load settlement response

obtained from FEA shows a good agreement with the test results. The capacity examinations

primarily suggest that the SPC pile can be a viable foundation solution for the subsoil conditions

of Jolshiri Abasion area of Dhaka.

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Notation
t Pile wall thickness

UBC3D-PLM University of British Columbia 3D -Plaxis Liquefaction Model

USCS Unified Soil Classification System

amax Peak surface acceleration

Ag Gross cross-sectional area of pile

C Cohesion of soil

di Inner diameter of the SPC pile

d0 Outer diameter of the SPC pile

Eurref Unloading/reloading stiffness

Eoedref Oedometer modulus

f'c Compressive strength of concrete

fpc Effective prestress in the pile after losses

Gmax Shear Modulus

Gs Specific gravity

Vs Shear-Wave Velocity

Mw Moment magnitude

Pa Axial load-bearing capacity of SPC pile

ρ Soil mass density

rd Stress reduction factor

wn Moisture content

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
𝜎0 Total overburden pressure

𝜎0′ Effective overburden pressure

νur Unloading/reloading Poisson’s ratio

φ The angle of friction

γsat Saturated unit weight

γunsat Unsaturated unit weight

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Introduction

Hollow prestressed spun precast concrete (SPC) piles are gaining popularity as a deep foundation

particularly in the coastal zone due to their cost-effectiveness, flexural performance, large load-

carrying capacity, and quality control before pile installation (Cao et al., 2020). Previously, Meng

et al. (2010) have also suggested employing SPC piles to achieve optimum size, better quality,

and durability. Strength properties such as flexural behavior and ultimate axial capacity of SPC

piles were also examined by a few researchers (Wang et al., 2020; Ahmed et al., 2023).

Previously, earthquake-induced liquefaction, such as Niigata (1964) and Kobe Earthquake

(1995), and Tohoku Earthquake (2011) caused severe and extensive damage to both

superstructure and foundation that ultimately triggered not only economic loss but also lives

(Bhattacharya et al., 2011). Many researchers have analyzed the liquefaction potential of the

subsoil of different cities in the world to observe its susceptibility during earthquake events

(Dixit et al., 2012; Gautam et al., 2017; Rahman et al., 2015; Rahman and Siddiqua, 2016;

Satyam and Rao, 2014; Sharma and Hazarika, 2013). Rahman et al. (2020) investigated the

liquefaction severity analysis at different locations in the Chattogram area of Bangladesh and

prepared a hazard map based on liquefaction potentiality. Islam et al. (2010) have studied the

liquefaction vulnerability of different reclaimed areas of Dhaka city. Fahim et al. (2022) have

prepared a hazard map for Dhaka city of Bangladesh based on the liquefaction potential index

and its cumulative frequency distribution by using an artificial neural network. Ansary and

Rashid (2000) also assessed the liquefaction potentiality of the Dhaka Metropolitan area based

on the SPT method as proposed by Seed et al. (1985). Islam and Ahamed (2005) have
6

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
mentioned that some reclaimed areas of Dhaka city are susceptible to liquefaction.

The behavior of precast piles under compressive loading has been studied by Zhou et al.

(2019) where three design interpretation methods have been compared for assessing bearing

capacity. Among the methods, the double tangent method was found conservative in the bearing

capacity prediction. However, the ultimate bearing capacity and failure characteristics of the pile

are also related to the shape of the pile (Phutthananon et al.,2018). Additionally, ground heave

after pile installation can reduce the compressive capacity of the pile by 40% (Ahmadi et al.,

2021). The bearing capacity of the pile in liquefied soil is significantly less under vertical loading

conditions (Knappett and Madabhushi, 2008).

A large settlement of foundation can occur under static and lateral loading conditions which

can cause damage to pile-supported structures such as buildings, bridges, etc. Yang et al. (2015)

assessed the field behavior of prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) piles in sandy soil for a

bridge project in China. Ling et al. (2019) have determined the shaft resistance of pre-bored

precast with an enlarged base in stiff clay. Kou et al. (2018) have observed that the performance

of open-ended PHC piles is more complex due to the effect of soil plugs than solid piles. Huang

et al. (2020) have reported that the increased reinforcement ratio, pile depth, and prestressing

level can move the plastic hinge location of the pile at a deeper depth and improve soil-pile

interaction. Kim et al. (2017) have found that extended end piles can increase bearing capacity

up to 24% compared to PHC piles. Spun pile foundation analysis and design in cohesionless soil

for a sixteen-storied building have been numerically studied by Kyi and Yangon (2019).

However, their study has only been confined to analytical modeling without conducting any

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
experiments.

Krishnan et al. (2021) have conducted both experimental and numerical investigations

using PLAXIS 3D and reported that loose sand improved with colloidal silica can reduce

moment generation with the increase in vertical and lateral load-bearing capacity. Uzuoka et al.

(2007) have performed finite element-based analysis to determine the dynamic response of group

piles in reclaimed soil. Their three-dimensional analysis suggested that the pile yielded before

the complete liquefaction took place. Shafiqu et al. (2017) have studied the seismic behavior of

piles using the finite element program PLAXIS 3D. The pile-soil system is modeled using

dynamic soil properties and earthquake data in the analysis. The study concluded that the 3D

numerical model can analyze the real response of seismic activity more accurately than PLAXIS

2D. Mohey et al. (2020) have used the UBC3D-PLM model in PLAXIS 3D to model the seismic

liquefaction behavior of soil and the hardening soil (HS) model to capture the soil dynamic

behavior. Therefore, PLAXIS 3D is already an established computer program that can capture

the field situations in static and dynamic cases quite accurately.

Therefore, it is evident from the existing literature that though there are some experimental

and numerical studies on the pile responses in soft soil, there is no evidence of practical SPC pile

load tests and its finite element simulation in soft soil layers over very stiff soil stratum. This

study aims to determine the bearing capacity of SPC piles in liquefiable soil located in the Jolshiri

Abashon area. After assessing the liquefaction vulnerability of the site, a static pile load test is

performed at the research site to investigate the load settlement behavior and hence the bearing

capacity of the pile at different situations. Finally, a numerical model is developed by Plaxis 3D

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
to compare the field and numerical results.

Background and present state of the problem

Bangladesh is a part of the largest deltaic formation, the mighty rivers flow through deposits of

a huge volume of silty and sandy sediment each year. The application of those sediments as

hydraulic fill for reclamations of low-lying areas is very common in this region. The fill and

subsoil to a large depth of this area are mostly saturated loose sandy or silty soils, that are

expectedly liquefiable in this earthquake-prone zone during the seismic events (Arnob et al.,

2023). Previous records of earthquakes also project that Dhaka city is at potential risk of

experiencing medium-level earthquakes soon.

Jolshiri Abashon project site is reclaimed land located at the center of the eastern side of

the Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP) area of Bangladesh. The study site is

situated 1.3 km off to the southern side of Purbachal's new town, and on the east and west, it is

surrounded by the Shitalakkhya and the Balu rivers, respectively. Figure 1 shows the site location

of Dhaka city with suburbs; the proposed development of the area.

This present study initially investigated the liquefaction potential of the site following the

SPT method. The subsoil investigation has been carried out to determine the geotechnical

parameters of the soil. The study also incorporates the analytical method proposed by Meyerhof

(1976), BNBC (2020) guidelines, and the pile load test data to calculate the bearing capacity as

per radius of curvature, de Beer (De Beer, 1965), and Davison offset methods (Davison, 1970).

Considering the site soil parameters, the pile load test is simulated by a finite element-based

computer program Plaxis 3D.

9

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Site soil characterization

The study area is situated east of Natun Bazar, Badda, and south of Neela market, Purbachal, in

Rupganj Upazilla, Narayanganj District of Bangladesh (near to the capital Dhaka). It is located

below the southern fringe of the Madhupur Tract, which is a Pleistocene terrace land consisting

of northern Madhupur Garh and southern Bhawal Garh. The site includes anthropogenic fill soil,

and recent land use changes have influenced surface geology and ongoing topographic

transformations. The top layer of the land is reclaimed layer consisting of loose sandy soil

collected from the nearby river. The reclamation process was started in 2013 and ended in 2020.

The original land is at 4.5 m below of the current ground level. The consolidation process is still

in progress and some sites are adopting different ground improvement techniques.

Three borehole locations have been selected within the area of a typical building site as

indicated in Figure 1. Subsoil investigation has been carried out to obtain the Subsoil profile of

the site. By conducting penetration tests, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples have been

collected for performing laboratory tests. Figure 2, presents three borehole logs with SPT blow

counts at different depths. It shows that the top layer of the soil (up to 4.5 m depth) consists of

very loose sand with an SPT value below 15. The groundwater table is 4.8 m below the existing

ground level. Jolshiri area is surrounded by Shitalakkhya and the Balu rivers so the soil in this

site is mostly very soft due to the presence of organic matter. The soil is saturated and susceptible

to liquefaction during earthquakes due to pore water pressure generation. All the boreholes

suggest that below the top layer, there is an organic soil layer of 3 m followed by a 30 m thick

layer of soft clayey silt with sand. A very dense sandy soil stratum is observed beyond the depth
10

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
of approximately 37.5 m.

Classification, physical, and engineering property tests such as grain size analysis,

Atterberg limits, moisture content, organic content, unit weight, direct shear test, unconfined

compressive strength, CD triaxial, and consolidation have been performed on the collected soil

samples, following the standard tests procedures following ASTM, AASHTO, and BNBC 2020

guidelines. The soil layers are distinguished based on laboratory test results following the

Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). Based on the laboratory test results, the grain size

distribution curve is presented in Figure 3. The D50 mean for loose and medium sand are 0.1850

mm and 0.3038 mm, while the fine fraction < 0.075 mm is 11% and 9%, respectively. For clayey

silt, the D50 mean is 0.0125 mm and fine contents are 95%. In dense silty sand and dense sand,

D50 mean is 0.0298 mm and 0.255 mm and fine contents are 44% and 25%.

The field SPT values, soil classification, selected index, and engineering properties are

presented in Table 1. It shows that the soil strata containing silt of low plasticity with a LL of

32-38% and PI of 6-12 %. Nearly 90-95% of the particles are passing #200. The undrained shear

strength is obtained to be 15 kPa. When the depth exceeds 37.5 m, dense silty sand is found with

an SPT value of 50 and above. The angle of internal friction of that layer is 36 0. The grain size

curve shows that the loose sand layer lies between the a-a’ region according to (Tsuchida.1970)

curve. The curve indicates that the loose sandy layer of the site is susceptible to the high

liquefaction phenomenon.

The dynamic soil properties like Shear-Wave Velocity (Vs) and small strain Shear Modulus

(Gmax) have been estimated from field SPT N values using JRA (1980) method as presented in

11

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figures 5 (a) and (b) respectively. Equations 1 and 2 are used to determine shear-wave velocity

for cohesionless and cohesive soil, respectively. The small strain Shear Modulus (Gmax) has been

determined using Equation 3.

Vs = 80 N 0.33 (1)

Vs = 100 N 0.33 (2)

Here, Vs is shear wave velocity (m/s); N is SPT value;

Gmax = ρVs2 (3)

Here Gmax is shear modulus; ρ is soil mass density. The minimum shear wave velocity of

100-130 m/s has been observed in a layer of 12.0-37.5 m deep. From Figure 4(a) the maximum

shear wave velocity has been observed to be 300 m/s at a depth of 40 m and below. As seen in

Figure 4 (b), the minimum shear modulus is 18 MPa at a depth of 12.0 to 37.5 m and the

maximum value of the G is 200 MPa which is observed at a depth of 40 m and above.

Assessment of liquefaction potential

According to the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC, 2020), the maximum considered

earthquake (MCE) for the seismic design of structures in Bangladesh is considered an extreme

earthquake with a 2% probability of exceedance for a 50-year return period. Few researchers and

historical data claim that Bangladesh is prone to experience a magnitude of 7.0 or larger

earthquakes in the near future ( Rahman et al., 2015; Saha, 2010). There are four seismic zones

as per BNBC 2020 and Dhaka lies in Zone-II. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) and the

earthquake magnitude of Dhaka have been considered to be 0.20 g and 7.5, respectively.

Using the field soil parameters and laboratory tests data, the liquefaction analysis has been
12

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
performed to obtain a factor of safety at different depths. The soil parameters like STP N values,

fine contents, unit weight, groundwater table, D50, etc. have been used for the liquefaction

analysis. The groundwater table has been considered at the existing ground level to account for

the worst conditions. Seed and Idriss (1971) have developed a procedure for determining

liquefaction potential using SPT N values where a factor of safety (FS) has been defined as the

ratio of cyclic resistance of soil to cyclic stress. The factor of safety is calculated according to

Equation 4

FS = CRR/ CSR (4)

Where, CRR = Cyclic Resistance Ratio, CSR = Cyclic Stress Ratio.

According to their method, if FS value falls below 1.00 for a soil layer there is a potential

for liquefaction during seismic events. Various researchers (Idriss and Boulanger.2006;

Tokimatsu and Yoshimi,1983; Youd and Idriss.2001; Seed et al., 1983) have studied the

liquefaction phenomenon following the concept of Seed and Idriss (1971) and formulated

different methods to estimate a factor of safety. Updated procedures of Seed and Idriss (1971)

are proposed by other authors (Idriss and Boulanger.2008; Idriss and Boulanger.2010) that have

been used in the present study for all three boreholes. The cyclic stress ratio is calculated as
𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝜎0
CSR = 0.65 𝑔 𝜎0′
rd (5)

Here, 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑥 is peak surface acceleration, 𝜎0 is total overburden pressure, 𝜎0′ is effective

overburden pressure, g is the acceleration due to gravity, rd is the stress reduction factor

depending on z which is the depth from the ground surface in meters.

For a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, the CSR can be written by Equation 6

13

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
CSR
CSR 7.5 = MSF
(6)

MSF = Magnitude scaling factor, The MSF can vary according to earthquake magnitude.

MSF can be modified by Equation 7 concerning magnitude (M)

M
MSF = 6.9e (− 4 ) − 0.058 ≤ 1.8 for M > 5.2 (7)

MSF = 1.8 for M < 5.2

For calculating the cyclic resistance ratio, SPT N value is obtained and N values need to

be corrected for overburden pressure, rod length, hammer efficiency, borehole diameter, and

sampler lining. After the corrected N60 value, the clean sand correction can be written as

(N1)60CS = (N1)60 + Δ (N1)60 (8)

9.7 15.7 2
Δ (N1)60 = exp(1.63 + (FC+0.1)
− ((FC+0.1)) ) (9)

FC = Fine content of the corresponding layer

The value of CRR was determined from the curve of SPT blow count to CRR ratio

corresponding to fine content after (Seed et al., 1985). The following Equation 10 modified after

Idriss and Boulanger approximates this can also be used to calculate the CRR M=7.5 for a given

(N1)60cs

(𝑁1)6𝑜𝑐𝑠 (𝑁1)6𝑜𝑐𝑠 2 (𝑁1)6𝑜𝑐𝑠 3 (𝑁1)6𝑜𝑐𝑠 4

CRR = 𝑒𝑥𝑝 ⌈ 14.1
+( 126
) −( 23.6
) + ( 25.4
) − 2.8⌉ (10)

Figure 5 shows the liquefaction potential curves of three boreholes for different magnitudes

of earthquakes of 7.5, 6.5, 6.0, 5.5, and 5.0. Up to a depth of 4.5m, the factor of safety values

falls less than one which indicates strong liquefaction probability at the upper layer. The result

also has shown compatibility with existing literature ( Islam et al., 2010) for loose sandy or silty

soil layers liquefaction analysis.

14

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
SPC pile characteristics

The hollow circular geometry of the SPC pile used in the present study is shown in Figure 6(a).

The fabricated SPC pile and the long section of the pile with reinforcement are shown in Figures

6(b) and 6(c), respectively. The SPC piles are fabricated through a special arrangement of caging,

and prestressing followed by the procedure of concrete pouring, rotating, steam curing, etc. As

per the information provided by the manufacturing company, high-strength concrete (50 MPa

and above) and high-strength strands are used for SPC pile casting. An effective prestress of

concrete of 5 MPa is used in these piles to enhance the bending capacity so that the piles

withstand lifting and handling stresses. The pile length was designed to be 42 m consisting of

three 12m and one 6m segments. The 6 m segment is installed at last (placed at the top). All pile

joints were made through the onsite 10mm groove welding between the end plates. It is important

to note that the weld connections were designed to be at least two times stronger than the

sectional capacity of the SPC piles. Based on the geotechnical parameters, it is decided that the

toe of the SPC piles will rest at a dense silty sand layer where SPT value is more than 50.

Therefore, the pile has the maximum toe resistance at the dense layer. The basic features and

specifications of the SPC piles used in this study are presented in Table 2.

It is important to note that the compressive load-carrying capacity of the SPC piles is

usually governed by the structural capacity, especially while resting on stiff soil or rock. The

allowable vertical axial capacity of SPC piles is suggested by the PCI guidelines as follows

(Mays, 2019).

𝑃𝑎 = 𝐴𝑔 (0.33 𝑓𝑐′ − 0.27𝑓𝑝𝑐 ) (11)

15

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Where

Pa, the allowable service level axial load-bearing capacity of SPC pile

Ag, gross cross-sectional area of pile

di and d0 inner and outer diameter of the SPC pile, respectively

f'c, compressive strength of concrete

fpc, effective prestress in the pile after losses

Vertical bearing capacity assessment

A 450 mm uniform hollow circular SPC test pile has been installed into the ground by the push-

in method to determine the vertical bearing capacity of the pile as shown in Figure 7. Initially,

the bearing capacity for the test pile has been estimated using SPT based Meyerhof (1976)

method. In Figures 8 (a) and 8 (b) the estimated bearing capacities with and without liquefaction

are shown with respect to borehole depth where the skin friction of the pile has been ignored in

liquefiable layers in estimating the bearing capacity of the pile. From Figure 8 (c) it is observed

that in liquefiable soil the skin friction of the pile is reduced, though not considerably,

approximately 9.4 %, 8.7 %, and 10.2 % for boreholes 1, 2, and 3 respectively. A comparison

between Figures 8(a) and 8(b) demonstrates that the ultimate bearing capacity is also affected by

liquefiable soil characteristics. The ultimate pile capacity decreases up to 5.0% for three

boreholes. Therefore, the influence of liquefaction on the vertical capacity of the pile is nearly

insignificant for this site. However, the lateral capacity and susceptibility of lateral spreading to

any vulnerable site need to be evaluated to determine the overall bearing capacity for designing

a safe foundation system.

16

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Pile bearing capacity by push-in method

The circular hollow SPC pile has been driven through the soft soil stratum where it has rested

on a dense sand layer at an embedment depth of 42 m. To reach that depth, three 12m and one

6m long SPC piles were required to be connected through welding between the end plates of the

piles. The pile grip has been readjusted in every 1.5 m push-in. The pile pushing was stopped for

30 minutes during the welding of end plates. The pile tip was made of steel conical, sharp, and

locked at the end. Therefore, soil plug or material come-out situations did not occur. No heaving

has been noticed in the process of the pile installation. The pile has been inserted by the pile

push-in method with a maximum load of 4067 kN.

Pile bearing capacity based on pile load test

The static pile load test on SPC pile has been performed according to ASTM D-1143 (2020).

The load setup for counterbalance with concrete blocks is presented in Figure 9. The hydraulic

jack, dial gauge, and LVDTs are also presented in the figure. The data has been stored directly

to the computer through three LVDTs where load-deformation data in the precision of a

micrometer was recorded and monitored. The dial gauge readings were also monitored by three

onsite stand-in engineers.

The incremental compressive load has been applied as 10% of the ultimate load until 2500

kN is reached. The pile has been loaded to reach the ultimate load and further loaded till failure

through pile push in. The applied load has been maintained for 1 hr and the load has been

removed in decrements equal to the loading increments, a 20 min in-between gap has been

17

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
provided for decrements. The 50% of the design load was reapplied, allowing 20 min between

increments. The additional loads were applied after reaching the design load and maintained till

failure occurred. After the maximum required test load has been applied, the test load held for

hours and removed when the pile has been failed under the maximum load. At a maximum load

of 4280 kN, the pile failed. This was a concrete failure near the loading cap area and not a bearing

capacity failure based on pre-set pile load test criteria (for the maximum settlement of 0.10D).

In Figure 10(a), the load settlement curve has been generated from field test data and

capacity has been determined according to Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC 2020)

guidelines. The allowable capacity has been estimated corresponding to 12 mm settlement which

exhibits conservative results as shown in Figure 10 (a) where the allowable capacity is 1448 kN

and ultimate is found to be 2896 kN. Alternatively, the shape of curvature method or tangent

method (Olgun et al., 2017) is a widely used practice to determine the ultimate bearing capacity

from field test data. The tangent from the initial part of the loading curve and the ending part of

the loading part intersect at a point and that point is considered as the ultimate loading capacity

of the pile. Figure 10 (b) shows the bearing capacity of the SPC pile is 3463 kN and its

corresponding settlement is 24.60 mm in the shape of the curvature method. The Davission offset

method is another widely accepted method for load capacity interpretation from pile load test.

This offset method defines failure load. The elastic shortening of the pile is computed and plotted

on the load-settlement curve where the elastic shortening line passes through the origin. The

slope of the elastic shortening line is 20o. An offset line is drawn parallel to the elastic line. In

this method, the ultimate capacity is estimated at 3790 kN concerning 43.1 mm settlement as

18

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
shown in Figure 10 (c).

The yield capacity was found by log-log plot of the load settlement curve using the De

Beer method and it has been observed that the yield capacity is 3391 kN with a settlement of

25.4 mm as shown in Figure 10 (d). Among all, the shape of curvature and the De Beer method

have shown capacity closer to pile load test design load capacity. In Figure 11, a comparison is

made among different interpretation methods of bearing capacity. It has been seen that the

average load capacity is 3648 kN. However, the determination of pile capacity by the above-

stated methods can provide a good range of bearing capacity choice options for designing the

SPC pile for the Jolshiri reclaimed site. It can be observed from the comparison that the Davisson,

de Beer, and Radius of curvature methods yielded a very close ultimate bearing resistance. The

bearing resistance observed from the push-in test is 400 ton (approx.) whereas BNBC 2020 is

found to be on the most conservative side.

Finite element model and validation

A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model has been developed to simulate the actual pile

load test using a commercial computer package, PLAXIS 3D. A 450mm diameter pile as

installed in the site has been placed in a soil domain of 20 m by 20m in both x and y directions.

The total depth of the model is taken as 45 m in the z direction considering a very stiff layer at

the bottom as shown in Figure 12 (a). In a view to presenting the actual soil parameters, a

borehole is located at the (0, 0, 0) point of the plaxis model. 10 noded solid elements for soil are

assumed in the analysis process. The SPC pile is modeled as an embedded beam element (line

element) in the soil medium accounting for soil-structure interactions. Among the three noded
19

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
piles, two elements represent the soil element to characterize interaction through pile skin and

the remaining node represents the beam behavior. After completing the soil and structural

modeling, the finite element meshes were generated by fine mesh where the number of elements

and nodes are 14505 and 22879, respectively as presented in Figure 12 (b). It is important to note

that the inbuilt fine mesh of Plaxis 3D is capable of converging the analysis outcome closer to

the exact solution compared to other options such as coarse and medium mesh though it requires

high run time and computer capacity. After conducting the mesh sensitivity analysis, the finer

mesh has been chosen for accurate estimation of pile capacity (Haque, 2022).

The soil properties are determined from SPT N value correlations and laboratory test results.

The researchers recommended Hardening Soil (HS) model to simulate such soil structure

interaction due to its high accuracy in predicting nonlinear and stress-dependent soil behavior

(Ter-Martirosyan, 2020). In addition, HS model has the capability to capture the stress and strain

field of the soil in non-linear mechanism, which permits the accurate estimation of the actual

settlement response of the pile under staged loading conditions. The soil parameters considered

in this study are presented in Table 3. The equations used for soil parameters are as follows.

𝑚
𝑐 ′ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙′ −𝜎3′ sin 𝜙′
E50= 𝑟𝑒𝑓
𝐸50 ( ) (12)
𝑐 ′ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙′ +𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 sin 𝜙′
𝑚
𝑐 ′ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙′ −𝜎3′ sin 𝜙′
Eur= 𝑟𝑒𝑓
𝐸𝑢𝑟 ( ) (13)
𝑐 ′ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙′ +𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 sin 𝜙′
𝑚
𝑐 ′ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙′ −𝜎3′ sin 𝜙′
Eoed= 𝑟𝑒𝑓
𝐸𝑜𝑒𝑑 ( ) (14)
𝑐 ′ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙′ +𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 sin 𝜙′
𝑟𝑒𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑓
Where 𝐸50 is a reference stiffness modulus corresponding to the reference stress pref. 𝐸𝑜𝑒𝑑 is

reference oedometer modulus. 𝜎3′ is minor effective principle stress. The amount of stress
20

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
dependency is given by the power m. Drained analysis has been with the HS model in the FE

simulation. Finally, the axial load is applied as a point load in the step-by-step at the top of the

pile to determine the load settlement response of the SPC pile.

The distance from the lateral boundary of the model and the distance between the lower

bound of the model from the top was considered to be larger enough so that the effects of the

boundaries in the numerical model on the results were minimized. The displacement and the

stress contours in the fnite element software indicate that this distance is sufficient (Maleki et al.,

2023, Maleki et al., 2022 ). The load settlement response obtained from the FE analysis has been

compared with the pile load test data as presented in Figure 13. The analysis result shows a very

good agreement with the test data (variations within 5%). This may happen because the HS

model captures the stress and strain field of the soil in a non-linear mechanism that allows actual

estimation of the load settlement response of the pile. The validated model can be used to

determine the influence of other parameters like pile diameter, depths, positions of water level

varying soil parameters, etc.

Conclusion

In the saturated sandy type of soil, liquefaction potential increases the vulnerability of the

foundation that may lead to the failure of global structure. Before conducting numerical

validation using Plaxis 3D, the bearing capacity of the driven SPC pile has been determined

through the pile load tests where the pile push in loads were also recorded. The key findings of

this study are as follows:

(i) The subsoil investigation suggested that there is a presence of a loose sand layer in the
21

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
study area. A 30m thick layer of soft clayey silt layer is noticed in all boreholes with a

LL in the range of 32-38%, and PL of 6-12%. The hard stratum is obtained at a depth

of 37.5 m from the EGL and as such the toe of the SPC pile is proposed to be rested at

42 m where the SPT value is more than 50.

(ii) The liquefaction assessment has been performed for the reclaimed land of Jolshiri

Abashon in Dhaka for Mw = 7.5 and PGA = 0.2 g. The assessment claimed that the site

is vulnerable to soil liquefaction during seismic activity. The factor of safety against

liquefaction is found less than 1.0 up to a depth of 4.5 m.

(iii)The maximum pile push-in load of a 450mm dia SPC pile was recorded as 4067 kN. A

static pile load test for axial compression has been conducted to determine the bearing

capacity of the pile. The pile load test was conducted with the proposed ultimate design

load of 2500 kN, and a maximum test load of 4280 kN where a local concrete failure

was observed at the top of the pile. The ultimate bearing capacity, using the shape of

curvature, Davisson offset, and De Beer method were found to be 3463 kN, 3790 kN,

and 3391 kN, respectively. Applying the BNBC 2020 code criteria of failure, the

ultimate pile capacity is found to be 2896 kN are higher than the design load of 2500

kN. Therefore, the vertical load-carrying capacity of the proposed SPC pile is found to

be acceptable and satisfactory.

(iv) The analytical investigation claimed that the skin friction of SPC piles is reduced by a

maximum value of 10% whereas the ultimate pile capacity decreases by only 4.5% due

to the liquefaction effect. However, the bearing capacity determined by the analytical

22

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
method underestimates the capacity obtained from the pile load test in all methods. The

developed finite element model shows a close agreement with the actual load-

settlement response that ultimately demonstrates the validity of the test results.

Therefore, the proposed technique can be a useful tool for predicting the bearing

capacity of SPC piles through numerical analysis.

This study is limited to the vertical load-carrying capacity only in liquefiable soil of 4.5m

depth without considering any lateral spreading. Currently, the authors are conducting a series

of research that will investigate the lateral load-carrying capacity of SPC piles and their

performances under seismic excitations where soil liquefaction is predominant.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal

relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to acknowledge test facilities provided by the Geotechnical Engineering

Laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering of the Military Institute of Science and

Technology (MIST). The authors also acknowledge the support of the lab technicians during the

experimental program and pile load tests conducted by Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory

(BMTF) Limited.

23

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
References
Ahmadi H A, Memarzadeh A, and Sharifi P (2021) Effect of Ground Heave on Compressive

Capacity of Precast Concrete Piles Driven in Clay, A Case Study. In Piling 2020:

Proceedings of the Piling 2020 Conference (pp. 375-379). ICE Publishing.

Ahmed, K. S., Siddika, N., Al-Moneim, A. and Islam, M. W. (2023). A case study on the shear

behavior of pretensioned Spun Precast Concrete (SPC) piles. Case Studies in Construction

Materials, 19, e02478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02478

Ansary M and Rashid M (2000) Generation of liquefaction potential map for Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Paper presented at the Proceedings of 8th ASCE Speciality Conference on Probabilistic

Mechanics and Structural and Reliability, Paper No. PMC 200-061.

Arnob, A. I., Ahmed, M. and Ahmed, K. S. (2023). SPT and CPT correlations for jolshiri area

of dhaka reclaimed by dredged river sediments. Journal of GeoEngineering, 18 (4), 225-

238, https://doi.org/10.6310/jog.202312_18(4).6

ASTM (2020) D1143 Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundation Elements Under Static Axial

Compressive Load, ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West

Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

Bhattacharya S, Hyodo M, Goda K, Tazoh T and Taylor C (2011) Liquefaction of soil in the

Tokyo Bay area from the 2011 Tohoku (Japan) earthquake. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake

Engineering 31(11): 1618-1628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2011.06.006.

BNBC 2020 (2021), Bangladesh National Building Code 2020, House Building Research

Institute, Bangladesh, Mirpur, Dhaka.

24

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Cao X, Dai, G Gong, W Zhu, M and Tang J (2020) Experimental study on the seismic behavior

of new PHC piles. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 13(16): 1-8, https://doi.org/10.1007

/s12517-020-05819-4.

Dixit J, Dewaikar D, and Jangid R (2012) Soil liquefaction studies at Mumbai city. Natural

hazards, 63(2): 375-390, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-012-0154-0.

De Beer E E (1965). Bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations on sand. In Proc.

Symp. Bearing capacity and settlement of foundations. Duke University.

Davisson MT (1970) Design Pile Capacity. Proceedings., Conference. on Design and

Installation of Pile Foundations and Cellular Structures, Lehigh Univ., Envo Public. Co.

pp. 75-85.

Fahim AKF, Rahman MZ, Hossain MS, and Kamal ASMM (2022) Liquefaction resistance

evaluation of soils using artificial neural network for Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Natural

Hazards 113(2): 933–963, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-022-05331-w.

Gautam D, de Magistris FS, and Fabbrocino G (2017) Soil liquefaction in Kathmandu valley due

to 25 April 2015 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

97: 37-47, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2017.03.001.

Haque KAF (2022) Seismic performance analysis of spun precast concrete pile in reclaimed

soil. MSc thesis, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka,

Bangladesh.

Islam MS, Hossain MT, Ameen SF, Hoque E and Ahamed S (2010) Earthquake-induced

liquefaction vulnerability of reclaimed areas of Dhaka. Journal of Civil Engineering (IEB)

25

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
38(1): 65-80.

Islam M and Ahamed S (2005) Liquefaction potential of selected reclaimed areas of Dhaka city.

Paper presented at the Proceedings of the Third Annual Paper Meet and International

Conference on Civil Engineering, The Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh.

Idriss IM and Boulanger RW (2006) Semi-empirical procedures for evaluating liquefaction

potential during earthquakes. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering 26(2-4): 115-

130, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2004.11.023.

Idriss IM and Boulanger RW (2010) SPT-based liquefaction triggering procedures. Rep.

UCD/CGM-10 2: 136.

IS: 2911 – Part 1 (2010) Design and Construction of Pile Foundations- Driven Cast In Situ

Concrete Piles, Burea of Indian Standards.

JGJ 94-2008 (2008) Building Pile Technical Specification, Ministry of Construction, People's

Republic of China, Beijing: China Building Industry Press.

JRA (1980) Specification and interpretation of bridge design for highway—Part V: resilient

design.

Knappett J and Madabhushi S (2008) Liquefaction-induced settlement of pile groups in

liquefiable and laterally spreading soils. Journal of geotechnical and

geoenvironmental engineering 134(11): 1609-1618, https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1090-

0241(2008)134:11(1609).

Kou H, Chu J, Guo W and Zhang M (2018) Pile load test of jacked open-ended prestressed high-

strength concrete pipe pile in clay. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-

26

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Geotechnical Engineering 171(3): 243-251, https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeen.16.00083.

Kim S, Whang SW, and Kim S (2017) Pile Foundation Design Through the Increased Bearing

Capacity of Extended End Pile. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering

16(2): 395-402, https://doi.org/10.3130/jaabe.16.395.

Kyi CM and Phone Dr N (2019) Analysis and design of spun pile Foundation of Sixteenth

Storyed Building in cohesion less soil. International Journal of Science and Engineering

Applications 8(11): 476–484, https://doi.org/10.7753/ijsea0811.1002.

Krishnan J, Yadav SL and Shukla S (2021) Experimental investigations of a pile in colloidal

silica stabilized sand under vertical and lateral loads. Arabian Journal of Geosciences

14(14): 1-14, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07689-w.

Ling Z, Wang W, Wu J, Huang M and Yuan J (2019) Shaft resistance of pre-bored precast piles

in Shanghai clay. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Geotechnical

Engineering 172(3): 228-242, https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeen.18.00028.

Meng KH (2010) Precast prestressed concrete spun piles for wharf structures. Structural

Engineer 88(12): 22-27.

Mays T (2019) Recommended Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Installation of Prestressed

Concrete Piling, PCI Journal, July-August.

Mohey MA, Abd EF, M, Mohamed HA and Moussa ABA (2020) Numerical analysis of

liquefaction phenomenon by using UBC3D-PLM constitutive model. Journal of Advanced

Engineering Trends, 38(2): 81-96, https://doi.org/10.21608/jaet.2020.73029.

Meyerhof GG (1976) Bearing capacity and settlement of pile foundations. Journal of the

27

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Geotechnical Engineering Division, 102(3): 197-228, https://doi.org/10.1061

/ajgeb6.0000243.

Olgun M, Hanati A and Yengİnar Y (2017) Prediction of Pile Capacity from Field Loading Test

Results by Using Different Methods. In 3rd Int. Soil-Structure Interaction. Symp. Turkey

Predict., no. May (pp. 692-702).

PCI Journal “ Recommended Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Installation of Prestressed

Concrete Piling” PCI Prestressed Concrete Piling Committee

Phutthananon C, Jongpradist P, Yensri P and Jamsawang P (2018) Dependence of ultimate

bearing capacity and failure behavior of T-shaped deep cement mixing piles on enlarged

cap shape and pile strength. Computers and Geotechnics 97: 27-41,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2017.12.013.

PLAXIS 3D (2019) Reference and Material Models Manual.

Rahman N, Ansary MA and Islam I (2015) GIS based mapping of vulnerability to earthquake

and fire hazard in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. International journal of disaster risk

reduction 13: 291-300, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2015.07.003.

Rahman Z and Siddiqua S (2016) Liquefaction resistance evaluation of soils using standard

penetration test blow count and shear wave velocity. Proceedings of the 69th Canadian

geotechnical society. Canadian Geotechnical Society, Vancouver, Canada, paper (3715).

Rahman MA, Ahmed S and Imam MO (2020) Rational Way of Estimating Liquefaction

Severity: An Implication for Chattogram, the Port City of Bangladesh. Geotechnical and

Geological Engineering 38(2): 2359-2375, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-019-01134-2.

28

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Rahman MZ, Siddiqua S and Kamal AM (2015) Liquefaction hazard mapping by liquefaction

potential index for Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Engineering geology 188: 137-147,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.01.012.

Seed HB, Tokimatsu K, Harder L and Chung R M (1985) Influence of SPT procedures in soil

liquefaction resistance evaluations. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering 111(12) : 1425-

1445, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1985)111:12(1425).

Satyam DN and Rao K (2014) Liquefaction hazard assessment using SPT and VS for two cities

in India. Indian Geotechnical Journal 44(4): 468-479, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-014-

0098-2.

Shafiqu QSM and Sa'ur RHM (2017) Numerical Analysis of a Pile-Soil System under

Earthquake Loading. Al-Nahrain Journal for Engineering Sciences 20(2): 446-451.

Sharma B and Hazarika P (2013) Assessment of liquefaction potential of Guwahati city: a case

study. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 31(5): 1437-1452,

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-013-9667-x.

Saha MK (2010) Earthquake: emerging threat for Dhaka city.

Seed HB, Idriss I and Arango I (1983) Evaluation of liquefaction potential using field

performance data. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering 109(3): 458-482,

https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1983)109:3(458).

Seed HB and Idriss IM (1971) Simplified procedure for evaluating soil liquefaction potential.

Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations division 97(9): 1249-1273,

https://doi.org/10.1061/jsfeaq.0001662.

29

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Tokimatsu K and Yoshimi Y (1983) Empirical correlation of soil liquefaction based on SPT N-

value and fines content. Soils and Foundations 23(4): 56-74,

https://doi.org/10.3208/sandf1972.23.4_56.

Tsuchida H (1970) Prediction and countermeasure against the liquefaction in sand deposits.

Seminar of the Port and Harbour Research Institute, 3.1-3.33.

Uzuoka R, Sento N, Kazama M, Zhang F, Yashima A and Oka F (2007) Three-dimensional

numerical simulation of earthquake damage to group-piles in a liquefied ground. Soil

Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering 27(5): 395-413, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn

.2006.10.003.

Wang WD, Li Q and Hu Y (2020) Collapse of a high-rise building with pretensioned high-

strength concrete piles. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Forensic

Engineering 173(1): 3-12, https://doi.org/10.1680/jfoen.19.00012.

Wei Y, Wang D, Li J, Jie Y, Ke Z, Li J and Wong T (2020) Evaluation of ultimate bearing

capacity of pre-stressed high-strength concrete pipe pile embedded in saturated sandy soil

based on in-situ test. Applied Sciences 10(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/APP10186269.

Yang Z, Guo W, Zha F, Jardine R, Xu C and Cai Y (2015) Field behavior of driven prestressed

high-strength concrete piles in sandy soils. Journal of geotechnical and geoenvironmental

engineering 141(6). https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0001303.

Youd T L and Idriss IM (2001) Liquefaction resistance of soils: summary report from the 1996

NCEER and 1998 NCEER/NSF workshops on evaluation of liquefaction resistance of

soils. Journal of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering 127(4): 297-313,

30

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1090-0241(2001)127:4(297).

Zhou J, Wang R., Dong F and Oh E (2019) Behavior of precast concrete pipe piles under

compressive loading. International Journal of GEOMATE 16(54): 200–208,

https://doi.org/10.21660/2019.54.30793

31

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Table 1. Soil properties obtained from laboratory tests

Unit Saturated Specific Moisture Percentage cu φ

SPT weight γ γsat Unit gravity content Fines kPa

Depth USCS
range (kN/m3) weight Gs wn (%) (#200

passing)

0 to 4.5 0 to 11 SP 14 15 2.61 41.7% 11-15 - 28.0o

4.5 to 7.5 4 to 5 ML(O) 15 16.5 2.61 41%, 88-93 10 -

7.5 to 37.5 1 to 4 ML 16 17.5 2.63 35 % 90-95 15 -

> 37.5 30 to 50 SM 18 20 2.67 15%, 25-44 - 36.0o

32

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Table 2. Features and specifications of SPC pile used in the investigation

SI Description Properties and Specifications

1. Pile Diameter (d0) 450 mm

2. Pile Wall Thickness (t) 110 mm

3. Pile Length and Segments 42m, (3× 12 m and 1×6m)

4. Cement OPC

5. Concrete Mix Ratio 1:1.25:2.5

The Fineness Modulus (FM) of 2.50

Sand

Max Size of Aggregate 12 mm

6. Material Specification 7-wire pre-stressing strand

Strands: 9 mm dia 1860 MPa

7. Spirals 4 mm MS wire @75 c/c

33

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Table 3. Soil layer properties used in the FE model

Clayey silt
Parameters Unit Loose sand Clayey silt Silty sand
(organic)

Unsaturated unit weight (γunsat) kN/m3 16 15 16 18

Saturated unit weight (γsat) kN/m3 17 16 17.5 20

Secant stiffness modulus

kN/m2 10000 12045 15060 38250
ref
(E50 )

Oedometer modulus
kN/m2 12465 15817 18042 45520
ref
(Eoed )

Unloading/reloading stiffness (Eurref) kN/m2 30256 36087 46584 117040

Cohesion, c kPa 0 15 15 0

Friction angle, φ 28 22 25 36

Unloading/reloading Poisson's
0.2 0.2 0.25 0.25
ratio, νur

Power for stress-level dependency of

0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5
stiffness, m

34

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 1. (a) Jolshiri Abashon project borehole location (retrieved from google.com/maps, 20
Sep 2023) (b) Borehole layout plan

(a)

(b)
35

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 2. Soil profile with SPT N values of selected site

36

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 3. Particle size distribution of the site soil

37

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 4. Shear Wave Velocity (m/s) and Shear Modulus, Gmax with depth (m)

38

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 5. Comparison of liquefaction assessment for different magnitude earthquake

39

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 6. Geometry of SPC pile; (a) Circular hollow cross-section, (b) manufactured SPC pile
at the site and (c) Long section of SPC piles showing the spiral reinforcement schedule

40

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 7. Welding at the pile joint during SPC pile push-in

41

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 8. Bearing capacity of precast pile foundation; a) without considering liquefaction b)
considering liquefaction and c) comparison of skin friction considering with and without
liquefaction

42

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 9. (a) Performing static load test (b) Schematic diagram of static load test (c) spun pile
for driving in soil and (d) Hydraulic jack and dial gauge setup during the test

43

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 10. (a) Load-settlement curve derived from pile load test (b) shape of curvature method
(c) Davisson offset method and (d) De Beer method

44

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 11. Summary of test results obtained from different methods

45

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 12. (a) FEM model developed in PLAXIS 3D and (b) FE Model with actual meshing

46

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
 Accepted manuscript
doi: 10.1680/jgere.23.00029
Figure 13. Comparison between test data and FE analysis output by PLAXIS 3D

47

Downloaded by [] on [28/02/24]. Published with permission by the ICE under the CC-BY license
View publication stats