Lateral pile load test - Deflection criteria 1

[vinothsekar]

Hello,

What is the maximum deflection criteria can be allowed as per standard for marine pile lateral load test??

Please share the reference.

Vinothkumar S
Geotechnical Engineer

 

[vinothsekar]

SoilRocks (Geotechnical)12 Dec 10 14:07

I don't usually see a structural engineer use a percentage of the pile diameter. Almost 100% of the time, I see them pick an allowable deflection, and apply a factor of safety to the ultimate lateral load that will produce that deflection. The deflections I see structural engineers use most range from 1/4 to 3/4 inch of deflection. I provide the lateral load at the top of pile that will produce that deflection, and they apply a factor of safety to that load - usually 1.5 for transient loads is my understanding.

Anybody know the above criteria reference???

Vinothkumar S
Geotechnical Engineer

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

Allowable deflections should be determined by the structural engineer based on what the structure can handle, period.

Mike Lambert

 

[vinothsekar]

If it is so? What is the useful of performing the lateral load test. because i am going to perform the test for container terminal berth.

IRC limitation is 1% of the pile diameter.

Indian standard 2911 - 50% of the final load at which the total displacement increases to 12mm, final load at which the total displacement corresponds to 5mm.

Vinothkumar S
Geotechnical Engineer

 

[MTNClimber]

The point of a lateral load test would be either to check if your assumptions are correct or to test a sacrificial pile to come up with the design parameters for production piles. Some piles for marine environments are allowed to deflect significantly without damage to the structure while others aren't can't. It's up to the structural engineer to determine the allowable deflection.