Field Trials and Load Tests of the Paile System of Expanded Base Piles

This study presents the results of static load tests on expanded base piles, installed using the novel PAILE method. This method facilitates the installation of a range of foundation and ground improvement piles with enlarged bases and, therefore, at a significantly reduced material consumption compared with current methods. The results of the static load tests in loose to medium-dense sands demonstrate that the performance of piles installed in loose to medium dense sands using the PAILE method can be predicted using direct CPT methods. This allows the determination of pile capacity and load/settlement factors corresponding to drilled displacement and precast driven piles, respectively.

Additionally, the PAILE method allows the resistance of each expanded base pile to be measured during installation. As a result, the risk related to insufficient geotechnical capacity is minimised and the resistance is recorded for every single substructure. Advanced analytics can be performed on the multi-sensor installation data using Artificial Intelligence, hence the “AI” in the PAILE name.

By utilising proven, existing technology in a novel way, expanded base piles can be installed using smaller machinery, with higher productivity and less material than with traditional piling equipment.