Verification of geotechnical reliability using load tests and integrity tests - Risk and Reliability in Geotechnical Engineering - page 544

4

3

2

1

D = 1.2 m
L = 25 m
L = 50 m
L = 75 m

0

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

ickness of toe debris (mm)

Figure 14.10 The reliability of piles given toe debris of varying thickness.

updated reliability indexes for cases 1, 2, and 3 of different outcomes are 3.00, 2.72, and
3.50, respectively. Toe debris is found in case 2 but no remedial actions are taken; therefore,
the updated reliability is lower than other two cases. The reliability index for case 3 is the
highest among the three cases because the assumption that all piles would be tested and
repaired has been made for this case.

14.7 SuMMarY

It has been shown that pile tests, either load tests or integrity tests, are routinely conducted
during and after pile construction to ensure the safety of pile foundations and reduce costs.
Uncertainties in the key factors affecting the reliability of piles and the estimated reliability

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

D = 1.2 m, diffuse prior for p d
Prior b
Updated b, case 1
Updated b, case 2
Updated b, case 3

1.5

1.0

20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Pile length (m)

Figure 14.11 A comparison between updated and prior reliability indexes of piles using a diffuse prior for p d .