Evaluation of CPT Methods for Load and Resistance Factor Design of Driven Piles

This paper presents an evaluation of eight cone penetration test (CPT) methods and the static α-method to determine the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) input parameters for single driven piles. Evaluation of these methods was conducted based on load test database of thirty-four square precast prestressed concrete (PPC) driven friction piles tested to failure. Resistance factors for the investigated CPT methods and the static α-method were determined using reliability-based analysis. Other design input parameters were determined based on the AASHTO LRFD design specifications for bridge substructure. Based on the results of the analysis, the Penpile method showed the highest values of resistance factors while Tumay and Fakhroo and Schmertmann methods showed the lowest values of resistance factors.