Design of Rock Socketed Piles in Complex Geological Environments: Two Case Studies from Central and North Queensland

It is necessary to review usual practices and design approaches for bored pile foundations in complex geological environments. This is warranted to be able to produce a robust, economical design which provides a value for money solution. There are many factors and constraints influencing the chosen project site and often there is insufficient information in the planning stage of the project to determine the extent of the geological site complexity. This paper will describe some of the approaches that may be adopted for bored pile design socketed into rock where geological complexities and uncertainties are encountered. Case studies from Central and North Queensland will be discussed and an approach that was adopted in rock socket design to address challenging ground conditions. Influence of various rock parameters such as unconfined compressive strength, geological strength index and rock mass modulus will be discussed in this paper.

Keywords: Rock socket, complex geology, uncertainty, design methodology, bored pile foundations, risk.