PREDICTION OF DOWNDRAG LOADS ON BITUMEN-COATED PILES

The performance of bitumen-coated piles in a number of case histories shows that bitumen can be used effectively in reducing negative skin friction on piles. The shearing behavior of coated steel piles subjected to downdrag loads is investigated by means of laboratory tests using three types of bitumens and two types of granular materials. Based on the test results, a prediction method is introduced and the important factors controlling downdrag reduction by bitumen coatings are identified. Predictions are then compared to results of existing field measurements and recommendations regarding load tests are made. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This report was sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Research and Materials Engineering Division and prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Department of Civil Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Baligh, M M
  • Vivatrat, V
• Publication Date: 1976-7

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 51 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bitumen; Coatings; Downwash; Forecasting; Granular materials; Loads; Negative skin friction; Shear stress; Steel; Support piles
• Uncontrolled Terms: Shearing; Steel piling
• Old TRIS Terms: Negative friction
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00168383
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77-S0653 Intrm Rpt., FCP 40S3872
• Contract Numbers: R 21-3 HP&R
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1978 12:00AM