Examining the Applicability of Micro-Pile for Bridge Foundation in Difficult Terrain using Pile Load Test
Main Article Content
Abstract
Construction of foundation of bridges in remote hilly terrain, in adverse climatic condition, is very difficult due to the limited working period and unavailability of transportation of machinery and equipment. In such situations where regular pile foundation is not feasible, micro-piles prove to be better solution. The study deals with the conditions in the field, field testing of micro-piles and their applicability as bridge foundation. In remote areas and difficult hilly terrains there are several problems faced during construction of bridges. The hilly atmosphere has oxygen deficiency, negative temperatures, chilling cold, snowfall, frozen water bodies, lack of adequate transportation facilities and roads are some of the innumerable problems faced during construction. A number of environmental conditions allow only a limited period for construction which is hardly four-five hours a day. Considering the terrain and hydraulic factors at suchsites there is limited option of foundation for the bridges. Usually such terrain has cobbles/gravels in the river bed. The seepage rate is likely to be very high. The high seepage rate requires heavy de-watering works while undertaking construction of substructure. Also such heavy concreting will be time consuming. Since, the time slot for construction is limited, regular procedures do not work.
Based on scour criteria, for such heavy loads as on bridges deep foundations are suitable but boulders, cobbles in such area do not allow sinking of well foundation, leaving us with only one option – piles. However, due to limited transportation facilities, roadways, it is not possible to transport such heavy rigs to such remote and inaccessible areas. Therefore, micro-piles are the most suitable option for bridge foundation considering all the above factors and limitations. A micro-pile is a small-diameter drilled and grouted non-displacement pile that is typically reinforced. It is constructed by drilling a borehole, placing steel reinforcement, and grouting the hole and can bear axial loads as well as lateral loads. They are suitable and can be installed in restrictive areas and in all soil types and ground conditions. In India, the use of micro-piles has been restricted only to slope stabilization in hydro projects and earth retaining structures and not in bridge foundation and therefore, it will be a new area for future endeavors.
Downloads
Metrics
Article Details
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit , provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made . You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation .
No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.
