Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.23
Imperfections due to poor ground investigation (
after
Poulos, 2005).
relevant geotechnical parameters. Figure 6.23 illustrates a typical example of such
imperfections.
6.5.2.3 Construction behaviour
These imperfections, as highlighted by Poulos (2005), arise from processes related to
the construction of the piles, either from inadequate construction control or from the
inevitable consequences of construction activities. They may include:
•
A soft toe on bored piles due to inadequate base cleaning (avoidable);
•
Defects within the shaft of bored piles (avoidable);
•
Inadequate founding conditions (avoidable);
•
Ground movements developed due to drilling during the construction process
(generally unavoidable);
•
Excavation and dewatering effects, especially with remedial piling projects
(generally unavoidable, but controllable); and
•
Excessive driving of preformed piles (avoidable).
In general, construction-related imperfections in piles can be broadly classified into
two main categories: structural defects and geotechnical defects (Poulos, 2005).
