Environmental Impacts of Drilled Shafts and Driven Piles in Sand

Geotechnical engineers have been active in evaluating certain geo-structures in an effort to reduce their associated environmental impacts. However, there is a lack of understanding of how different design methods for the same type of geo-structure can affect the environment. Drilled shafts and driven piles can be designed in many different ways, and the selection of a valid design method entirely depends on the designer’s preference. In this study, single drilled shafts and driven piles are designed for theoretical sand profiles using eight different design methods, and a life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of the designs. In a sustainable perspective, it is important to realize that the decisions made in engineering projects can potentially impose substantial and long-term impacts on the environment. As geotechnical engineers, careful selection of design methods and decision-making throughout geotechnical projects can possibly reduce those environmental impacts.