68th Canadian Geotechnical Conference and 7th Canadian Permafrost Conference

LATERAL PERFORMANCE OF HELICAL TAPERED PILES IN SAND

Ahmed Fahmy, The University of Western Ontario (Canada)
Mohamed Hesham El Naggar, The University of Western Ontario (Canada)

A novel piling system is proposed in this study to support solar energy panels in solar farm projects. It involves a spun-cast ductile iron (SCDI) tapered pile fitted with a lower helix. The proposed pile offers higher lateral capacity, and represents a sustainable foundation system. The monotonic lateral performance of the proposed system is investigated herein. Five SCDI tapered and two steel straight shaft piles were installed using mechanical torque in silty sand. The piles were laterally tested and their ultimate capacities were evaluated. The effect of prior axial and cyclic lateral loading on the piles’ lateral performance was assessed. The tapered piles generally possess a stiffer response and higher ultimate capacity. The fixation provided by the helix had a positive effect on the lateral performance of short piles.