Use of large-diameter, cast-in situ concrete pipe piles for embankment over soft clay

Article originally submitted as "Soil improvement using large diameter, cast-in-situ, thin-wall concrete pipe piles"A new method of using large-diameter, cast–in situ concrete pipe (PCC) piles for embankments over soft clay is introduced in this paper. This PCC pile method offers a relatively quick and cost-effective way for soil improvement as compared with other existing soil improvement methods. The principles and construction techniques involved in this method are described. Full-scale model tests were conducted to evaluate the quality and performance of piles and the responses of the surrounding soils. Methods that can be used to check the quality of the pipe piles are elaborated. A case study that illustrates the application of this method in a piled embankment over soft clay is presented.Han-Long Liu, Jian Chu, and An Den