Value of pile tests to inform detailed design in Canada

ABSTRACT: It is generally apparent to geotechnical designers that having access to pile load test data prior to the detailed design stage reduces the quantity and magnitude of design unknowns and allows for somewhat less conservative design assumptions, resulting in a more efficient pile design. Unfortunately, for many projects, particularly lump sum public private partnerships (P3), pile load test data is not available to inform the design, acting only to validate conservative assumptions at a later stage. The barriers are typically commercial, however this misses a valuable opportunity for more efficient design, reduced construction cost and additional “soft” benefits by virtue of increased risk awareness, reduction, and mitigation. The combined benefits gained when pile test data is available early will typically outweigh the initial financial outlay for the test. This study will consider a number of case studies to highlight the benefits and risks of undertaking pile tests in the tender stage and/or early in the project execution phase to better inform commercial decisions.