http://www.berkelandcompany.com/
The question you have posed has no real good answer with the variables that you list. The economic viability depends on quantity, soil type, geography, etc. I have used APG piles in depths from 40 feet to over 200 feet. I would suggest that you contact Berkel to determine the optimal solution. They have good geotechs on staff that can answer more effectively than I can.
The trade organization governing APG and other deep foundations is the Deep Foundation Institute.
http://www.dfi.org/
The DFI produces the Augered Cast-In-Place Piles Manual.
Pile diameters commonly range from 12 to 24 inches, in 2 inch increments. They can also be constructed up to 30 and 36 inch diameters in the US. I have heard that there are rigs capable of 48 inch piles. Smaller piles will have a single central bar for reinforcing. Larger piles can have a rebar cage.
A good contractor is a must. I have had very bad results with APG piles by poorly qualified contractors. Berkel has bailed out at least 2 of my projects in which the GC accepted poorly qualified contractors.
Regards,
Harold Sprague
Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 05:52:48 -0700
From: JCoombs@carollo.com
To: seaint@seaint.org
Subject: AC Piles vs Drilled piers.
Hello All. This is a general question.
Does anyone have a feel for favored diameters for Auger Cast Piles, as well as typical largest/ smallest to consider?
Also, in general, at what depths do the AC Piles become preferred over drilled piers?
I know that there are other items to consider in the decision, but from an "all things being equal" perspective. Seismic will not play a role.
Thanks
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