Gentle Driving of Piles (GDP) at a sandy site combining axial and torsional vibrations: Part I - installation tests. (15th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsetas, Athanasios; Tsouvalas, Apostolos; Gómez, Sergio S.; Pisanò, Federico; Kementzetzidis, Evangelos; Molenkamp, Timo; Elkadi, Ahmed S.K.; Metrikine, Andrei V.
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 270(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-15
• Subjects: Pile driving -- Monopiles -- Soil/structure interaction -- Dynamics; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2022.113453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: Gentle Driving of Piles (GDP) is a new technology for the vibratory installation of tubular (mono)piles. Its founding principle is that both efficient installation and low noise emission can be achieved by applying to the pile a combination of axial and torsional vibrations. Preliminary development and demonstration of the proposed technology are the main objectives of the GDP research programme. To this end, onshore medium-scale tests in sand have been performed on piles installed using both impact and vibratory driving methods (including GDP). After presenting the development of a purpose-built GDP driving device and the geotechnical characterisation of the site, this paper covers the execution of GDP installation tests. Focus is on the installation performance of GDP-driven piles, which is discussed with the aid of structural and ground monitoring data. The comparison between piling data associated with GDP and standard axial vibro-driving points out the potential of the proposed installation technology, particularly with regard to the beneficial effect of the torsional vibration component. The findings of this study encourage further development of the GDP method and its future extension to offshore full-scale conditions. Highlights: The Gentle Driving of Piles method was successfully demonstrated through field tests. Comparison with axial vibro-driving demonstrated the notable performance of GDP. Time-frequency analyses revealed nearly stationary pile response during GDP driving. CSL tests showed that GDP driving may induce sand densification in the pile vicinity.