| Abstract: | Many state departments of transportation and consulting firms continue to use dynamic formulas because they are simple and inexpensive as compared to the preferred dynamic loading test with signal matching. Efforts to reduce the error and uncertainty associated with dynamic formulas are therefore warranted until dynamic monitoring becomes standard for every driven pile. However, dynamic formulas calibrated to national test pile databases have indicated inaccuracy and high uncertainty in the capacity prediction using dynamic formulas. A region-specific dynamic load test database was used to assess the accuracy and uncertainty in the Janbu, Danish and FHWA Gates formulas, recalibrate the equations for local conditions (construction practice, geology) and to generate resistance factors for use with Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). Following recalibration, the capacity predictions became more accurate, and an observed dependence of the accuracy on the magnitude of resistance was eliminated for most driving conditions (e.g. end-of-driving, restrike). Previously reported static load test data were used to incorporate the transformation error associated with using the dynamic capacity to predict an equivalent static capacity. Resistance factors for use in Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) were developed in consideration of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials–recommended load statistics and target reliability indices. Efficiency factors were used to assess the economic performance of each dynamic formula. Comparison of the accuracy and uncertainty of the recalibrated equations to a nationwide calibration illustrated the advantage of using a geologic-specific database for the calibration of resistance factors. |
