In this study a detailed recall of the main applications of the wave equation analysis on pile driving is led. The purpose is to point out how and where the site specific parameters have an influence on the predictions made with the programs.
Then the propagation of the impact wave in a pile or a rod is explained using simple concepts. This enables us to give a clear explanation of the measured force and velocity signals and from there to derive the soil bearing capacity after driving. These basic concepts on the wave propagation and the wave reflections are presented to give a qualitative interpretation of the measured signals and then an understanding of the soil reaction. Such a simple explanation was not found in the literature.
Experiments have been carried out with a small cone penetrometer of 167 mm2 in cross sectional area called a mini-cone in a 600 mm deep and 300 mm in diameter chamber of sand. The purpose was to generate a blow count versus resistance curve and to match it using a bearing capacity prediction program in order to backfigure the sand’s specific parameters.
This research was a preliminary study for the use of the Cone Penetrometer as a dynamic in situ test for the design of driven piles. Therefore recommendations for further work are included.
