Field Measurement of Noise and Ground Surface Vibration during Pile Jetting and Grouting

Noise and vibration are critical issues associated with pile driving operations in an urban environment. Alternative foundations such as drilled shafts and augercast piles alleviate much of the operational noise and vibration. However, the cast-in place installation process may raise concerns in quality control if not adequately monitored. Post grouting the drilled shaft base has been widely used to mobilize a larger portion of the tip resistance prior to construction of the superstructure, thereby controlling the axial displacement during the service. In response to the operational challenges in urban environments, the Florida Department of Transportation and the University of Florida have recently developed a new generation of deep foundation, namely “jetted and grouted precast pile”. The process consists of pressurized water jetting a concrete pile instead of a hammer-driven installation, and subsequent side and tip grouting the pile, which significantly improve skin and tip resistance, respectively, as well as lateral and torsional stiffness. Several studies have been focused on such increase in axial and torsional resistance by grouting techniques. However, there has been little field data available to support quantifiable noise and vibration reduction by jetting and grouting processes. This paper presents field measurements of noise and ground surface vibration during full-scale installation of jetted and grouted piles. Comparison of measured data to recommended noise and vibration limits suggests that jetting and grouting techniques are a viable solution for urban geo-infrastructure development.