Monday, October 24, 2011

Re: Steel Pipe Piles

In my experience, it does not necessarily has to be either of them except for a concrete cap. The pile could be open ended or may have a steel shoe dictated by drivebility and by the mechanism of achieving the pile capacity (end bearing, side friction or a combination).
 
Your reason for using full height of pile for lateral resistance is OK.
 
Rajendran

From: David Finley <david@mdavidfinley.com>
To: "seaint@seaint.org" <seaint@seaint.org>
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 11:18 AM
Subject: Steel Pipe Piles

I have a bridge footing supported on 24" diameter steel pipe piles.  The bridge is a grade crossing (no water) and the footing is below finish grade, so the piles will have lateral support from the soils for their full height.  The piles do not experience any tension.
 
Is it typical practice to provide a reinforced concrete plug at the top of the pile?  Or just sand fill?
 
David Finley
M. David Finley, P.E., P.A.
2086 SW Main Blvd - Suite 111
Lake City, FL   32025
386-752-6400