The effects of plugging on pile performance and design

Abstract

During installation of open-pipe piles, soil enters the pile until the inner-soil cylinder develops sufficient resistance to prevent further soil intrusion and the pile becomes "plugged." In spite of its frequent occurrence, only limited attention has thus far been given to this phenomenon and its consequences. The effects of plugging on pile performance and design are examined in reference to the following aspects: ultimate static capacity, time-dependent pile capacity, and dynamic behavior. Pile plugging is shown to have the following effects: marked contribution to the capacity of piles driven in sand; delay in capacity gain with time for piles driven in clay; and change in behavior of piles during installation, causing it to differ from that described by the models commonly used to predict and analyze pile driving. Key words: pipe piles, pile plugging, open-ended piles, static capacity, time-dependent capacity, dynamic analysis, pile driving, pile performance.