Driving Performance of Vibratory-Installed Hollow FRP Piles in Sand
Ali Bawa, M Hesham El Naggar
In the proceedings of: GeoManitoba 2025: 78th Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 9th Canadian Permafrost ConferenceSession: Advanced Testing (Lab/Insitu) 3
ABSTRACT: Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) piles provide a durable alternative to traditional materials, offering corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and low maintenance cost. However, their low axial stiffness and the absence of standardized installation guidelines pose challenges to their widespread use. This study examines the installation of hollow FRP piles using vibratory driving method in sandy soils. Ten piles, each with a 254 mm outer diameter, 6.5 mm wall thickness, and 2 m embedded length, were installed to evaluate installation resistance and driving performance. Two piles were instrumented to monitor stress during installation, which provided valuable insights into their behavior under vibratory driving. The findings enhance the understanding of FRP pile drivability and contribute to the development of standardized installation guidelines. This research supports the broader application of FRP piles in marine and coastal environments, where their durability and resistance to environmental degradation are crucial for long-term structural performance.
RÉSUMÉ: Les pieux en polymère renforcé de fibres (FRP) sont une alternative durable aux matériaux traditionnels, offrant une résistance à la corrosion, un rapport résistance/poids élevé et un faible entretien. Cependant, leur faible rigidité et l’absence de normes d’installation limitent leur adoption. Cette étude analyse la conductibilité des pieux creux en FRP installés par vibration dans des sols sablonneux. Dix pieux (254 mm de diamètre extérieur, 6,5 mm d’épaisseur, 2 m de longueur d’ancrage) ont été installés pour évaluer la résistance à l’installation et les performances de conduite. Deux pieux instrumentés ont mesuré les contraintes pendant l’installation, fournissant des données clés sur leur comportement sous vibration. Les résultats contribuent à l’élaboration de normes d’installation et à une meilleure compréhension de leur conductibilité. Cette recherche favorise l’utilisation des pieux en FRP dans les environnements marins et côtiers, où leur durabilité est essentielle pour une performance structurelle à long terme.
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Cite this article:
Bawa, Ali, Naggar, M Hesham El (2025) Driving Performance of Vibratory-Installed Hollow FRP Piles in Sand in GEO2025. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.
@inproceedings{Bawa_GEO2025_138,
author = {{Bawa, Ali}, {Naggar, M Hesham El}}
title = {Driving Performance of Vibratory-Installed Hollow FRP Piles in Sand }
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 78th Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 9th Canadian Permafrost Conference}
year = {2025}
organization = {The Canadian Geotechnical Society},
address = {Ottawa, Canada} }
title = {Driving Performance of Vibratory-Installed Hollow FRP Piles in Sand }
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 78th Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 9th Canadian Permafrost Conference}
year = {2025}
organization = {The Canadian Geotechnical Society},
address = {Ottawa, Canada} }