Title: Post-tensioned splice system for precast, prestressed concrete piles: Part 1, conceptual design
Date Published: January-February 2018
Volume: 63
Issue: 1
Page Numbers: 26-39
Authors: Gray Mullins, Kevin Johnson, and Rajan Sen
https://doi.org/10.15554/pcij63.1-04
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Abstract
Splicing precast, prestressed concrete piles has historically been difficult because the attachment detail either requires preplanned considerations and cast-in connection details or requires on-site coring and doweling when unplanned pile extensions are needed. When the pile must be driven after splicing, the splice connection is prone to tensile failures due to the inability to transfer driving stresses through the connection and into the other pile segment.
Focusing on preplanned splices, the Florida Department of Transportation limits tension stresses during driving to 250 or 500 psi (1.7 or 3.4 MPa) for epoxied-dowel splices or mechanical splices, respectively. This can limit the ability to efficiently drive the pile, to the point where it might even be impossible.
In response to the need for a more robust splicing methodology, an alternative concept was sought; this alternative concept forms the basis of this study. To this end, a post-tensioned splice that eliminates the limitations on tension stresses during driving was developed. This is the first of three papers that detail the development of this alternative approach. It covers the conceptual basis for the design and its implementation into a prototype system. Two forthcoming papers will cover bending strength testing and field implementation/driving verification of the system.
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