Fundamentals of the Behavior of Driven Micropiles in Sandy-Loamy Soils of Córdoba

Abstract

The use of driven micropiles is an interesting alternative to solve foundations in engineering projects of small and medium scale. Even in large works, they can be used to stabilize slopes or as a support screen in underground excavations. In order to propose the use in this type of solutions, it is necessary to have validated design procedures for local soils and the specific technology with which they will be materialized. In this paper, a literary review of procedures to determine the carrying capacity of driven micropiles, contemplating the construction technology and the characteristics of the soil is proposed. An experimental plan of field tests on micropiles in real scale is developed. Numerical models are implemented for the condition of driven micropiles installed in silty, sandy loamy and sandy soils. Dynamic formulations are developed for the purpose of estimating the load capacity from the results of field penetration tests.