| MEMORANDUM TO: | Project Engineers |
| Project Design Engineers | |
| FROM: | W. J. Rogers, P.E. |
| State Bridge Design Engineer | |
| DATE: | April 16, 1998 |
| SUBJECT: | DESIGN LOADS FOR STEEL PILES |
As a result of the recent FHWA/NHI training course, "Design
and Construction of Driven Pile Foundations," the Soils and
Foundation Section has instructed the Structure Design Unit to
use the following minimum design loads for preliminary design
of end bents and pile footings
HP12 x 53 Steel Piles - 60 Tons (530kN)
HP14 x 73 Steel Piles - 75 Tons (670kN)
In certain instances, based on site geology, Soils and Foundations
may provide Foundation Recommendations with design capacities
that exceed these new minimum values.
It is unlikely that these new minimums can be used for pile bents
due to the unsupported length of the piles. Therefore, for preliminary
design, proceed with 45 Tons (400kN) and 60 Tons (530kN) for HP
12 x 53's and HP 14 x 73's respectively.
This policy is effective immediately; the Design Manual will be
revised to reflect this policy at a later date. For projects
currently being designed that would benefit significantly from
these higher pile capacities contact Soils and Foundations to
obtain a revised Foundation Recommendation before any redesign
efforts are started.
WJR/RGW/ap
