Ground vibrations associated with installing enlarged-base driven cast-in-situ piles

Abstract

Ground vibrations associated with pile construction have long been regarded as a significant drawback of driven piles. This paper presents measured ground vibrations associated with the construction of enlarged-base driven cast-in-situ piles. Data were obtained using servo accelerometers measuring acceleration in three orthogonal directions, and at varying lateral distances from the driven pile. The accelerations are converted to peak particle velocities; the widely accepted measure of ground-vibration damage. The peak particle velocities are compared to recommended maximum values, data presented by others, as well as human perception of ground vibration. The maximum measured peak particle velocity of 8.8 mm/s was associated with the development of the enlarged base, at a lateral distance of 3.5 m from the pile. The data suggest that enlarged-base driven cast-in-situ piles can be used successfully in the urban environment. The measurements are, however, site-specific and should be used with caution in different soil profiles.