journal article·2024-01-18Open access

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Piles and Splicing Options

Michael Odelola, Seyed Saman Khedmatgozar Dolati, Armin Mehrabi, David Garber

Applied Sciences· Volume 14· Issue 2

Abstract

Conventional driven piles are made from steel, concrete, timber, or composite materials. These piling options have limitations with respect to corrosion, durability, driveablity, and performance. Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) pile is a new alternative that has already been adopted by various state Departments of Transportation in the United States for addressing the limitations that exist with conventional piles. UHPC piles are made of a cementitious composite material mixture that possesses exceptional properties such as higher strength, low capillary porosity, and high resistance to corrosion, making them a suitable option for use as a deep foundation. For several reasons, it is necessary to cast piles with a shorter length and splice them at the site to reach the desired lengths. These reasons include shipping limitations, unpredictable soil condition, reducing transportation costs, construction time, and damage during installation. This study aims to explore and summarize the currently available options for connecting UHPC pile segments. Accordingly, after a brief introduction on driven piles, this paper investigates various splicing systems that can be used for UHPC piles through reviewing previous research studies and field applications. The applicable splices are then compared based on several criteria such as capacity, durability, cost, and ease of application.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials · Innovations in Concrete and Construction Materials · Concrete and Cement Materials Research

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33174, USA

Federal Highway Administration Resource Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Funding

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

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