Clearance between edge of soldier pile and rock socket

[bridgebuster]

Our state DOT requires a minimum of 3" clear between piles and rock sockets. We designed a permanent soldier pile wall (Non-DOT Project)utilizing W18x234 in 30" sockets - we just make the 3"

9 months into the job the contractor wants to use a 24" socket and a w14 x 283 pile. He's moaning and groaning 30" is too expensive too drill - My opinion - you bid it, you bought it. Meanwhile, his proposal would only allow for about 1 1/2" clear distance.

I was wondering what minimum clearance others require.

Thanks

 

[USGeotech]

In my opinion, rock sockets need only be large enough to fit the pile assuming the necessary vertical and lateral capacity are provided. Any size concrete-filled hole large enough to fit the pile will provide sufficient concrete cover over the faces of the flanges and web for corrosion protection.

 

[bridgebuster]

Thanks. I'm going to do some research. I don't want to be a hard @$$ but... It looks like he bid the job and now he's figuring out how much it will cost.

 

[InDepth]

Fundamentally, what is the reason behind the DOT requirements? Is it because they want to minimize corrosion by having "additional cover"? or is it because they want a greater distributed bearing area to distribute the load better over the rock? Answer the questions out serviceability and strength and I think you'll find a solution.

 

[bridgebuster]

Good points InDepth. I think quite often we arbitrarily accept things.

 

[emmgjld]

"I think quite often we arbitrarily accept things."
This is the incorrect way to 'Engineer' yet we are all subjected to it because of the Standard Specifications followed by larger 'entities'. Every once in a while I feel like I have gone back to my childhood when an architect has pulled out something out of his files.

"Answer the questions out serviceability and strength and I think you'll find a solution." This is the way to 'Engineer'.

 

[dcarr82775]

With 3" clear and a decent slump the concrete had a good chance of flowing around in front of the flange and filling the hole. With 1.5" clear I am doubtful that will happen regardless of how the contractor places the concrete. I would stick with the 3" clear