Robust LRFD Resistance Factor Calibration for Axially Loaded Drilled Shafts in Las Vegas
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 6
Abstract
Resistance factors for load and resistance factor design (LRFD) of axially loaded drilled shafts in the Las Vegas Valley are calibrated using data from 41 field load tests. In addition to the traditional use of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations for calibration, a more robust technique is investigated in which nested MC simulations are employed to capture the uncertainty associated with the interpretation of material properties from in situ test data. Measures are also taken to improve design procedures regarding cemented sandy soils colloquially referred to as caliche. Although caliche is common in Las Vegas, its potential contribution to resistance is difficult to predict using typical site investigation data and there is currently no consensus among local engineers regarding how it should be considered in design. Thus, an approach for treating caliche is proposed and compared to three other potentially viable methods. Overall it is found that the proposed design approach produces the most accurate nominal axial capacity predictions and the nested MC simulations yield lower resistance factors than traditional calibration procedures.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to recognize the Nevada Department of Transportation for providing funding for this project (award number P515-13-803) as well as Loadtest Inc. and Dr. Moses Karakuzian for supplying much of the required data. We also extend our thanks to Abbas Bafghi, Brandon Kluzniak, and the reviewers from ASCE for their thoughtful insight and feedback.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 6 • June 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 20, 2016
Accepted: Oct 13, 2016
Published ahead of print: Feb 14, 2017
Published online: Feb 15, 2017
Published in print: Jun 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 15, 2017
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