Experimental measurement of particle crushing around model piles jacked in a calibration chamber

Abstract During installation of driven or jacked piles in sand, particle crushing occurs a region below the base these piles. Quantification degree and extent during driving jacking sand is necessary to improve current design methods. To study effects on capacity uniform silica samples, model pile was tested half-cylindrical calibration chamber with transparent observation windows its front wall. Annular samples crushed 3 mm thickness were recovered after testing from several locations along shaft used assess gradation changes calculate breakage parameters. Relationships between load mobilized at three parameters are proposed. Furthermore, number strokes (ranging 1 32 this research) has negligible effect produced measured stresses pile. Analyses digital images captured indicate that particles path crush mainly irregularities sharp edges. Different zones identified according crushing. Digital taken static loading allowed tracking displacement paths individual loading.