Design of Pile Foundations

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. 1. Purpose. This manual provides information, foundation exploration and testing procedures, load test methods, analysis techniques, allowable criteria , design procedures, and construction consideration for the selection, design, and installation of pile foundations. The guidance is based on the present state of the technology for pile-soil-structure-foundation interaction behavior. This manual provides design guidance intended specifically for the geotechnical and structural engineer but also provides essential information for others interested in pile foundations such as the construction engineer in understanding construction techniques related to pile behavior during installation. Since the understanding of the physical causes of pile foundation behavior is actively expanding by better definition through ongoing research, prototype, model pile, and pile group testing and development of more refined analytical models, this manual is intended to provide examples and procedures of what has been proven successful. This is not the last nor final word on the state of the art for this technology. We expect, as further practical design and installation procedures are developed from the expansion of this technology, that these updates will be issued as changes to this manual. 2. Applicability. This manual is applicable to all USACE commands having civil works responsibilities, especially those geotechnical and structural engineers charged with the responsibility for design and installation of safe and economical pile foundations.