June 3, 2020 ITS Money: Paul Axtell, P.E., D.GE

Paul J. Axtell, P.E., D.GE | Dan Brown and Associates

A Tale of Two Load Tests – Drilled Shaft Construction and Performance

This presentation provides a case history spanning two decades of drilled shaft construction practice in which load test results from “good” construction and inspection are compared to those for “poor” construction and inspection. The respective construction and inspection practices will be provided along with the measured resistance values so a quantitative comparison can be made. The effects will then be discussed from a design perspective so that the impacts to required foundation quantity and cost can be understood.

Findings

• Perform a Design-Phase Load Test
  • To refine the foundation design
  • To increase the resistance factor(s)
  • To provide a better understanding of constructability