Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
1-31-1986
Degree Name
Master of Science in Civil Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
John R. Schuring
Second Advisor
R. John Craig
Third Advisor
Dorairaja Raghu
Abstract
This thesis investigates the similitude requirements for the Dynamic Pile Driving Apparatus in the New Jersey Institute of Technology Laboratory. The apparatus is being used to perform model tests to study bearing stratum fracturing caused by driving pile groups to weak rock.
Two approaches were used to establish similitude between the model and actual field conditions. The first approach utilizes dimensional analysis to develop a relationship between the energy delivered to the rock mass by the pile and the unit length. The second approach proposes a procedure to establish an empirical relationship between the threshold energy to fracture the rock mass and the compressive strength of the rock.
The dimensional analysis approach indicated that the ratio of the energies should be proportional to the ratio of the cube of the unit lengths. Attempts to verify the dimensional analysis results were made using very limited laboratory and field data.
The second approach proposes to establish similitude using an empirical relationship between the threshold energy and the compressive strength of the rock. Work by previous investigators indicates that such a relation could be possible. A procedure is outlined to generate this relationship using the Driving Apparatus.
Areas of future research with the Driving Apparatus are suggested.
Recommended Citation
Georghoudes, George Nicou, "Similitude analysis of model experiments of piles driven to rock" (1986). Theses. 3399.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3399
