Geotechnical Design Exam Review Actual Questions and Answers with complete solution

Geotechnical Design Exam Review Actual Questions and Answers with complete solution What are indicator piles. and how do they benefit the foundation design process? - Indicator piles are prototype piles that are constructed before the production piles. These prototype piles are typically evaluated using pile driving analyzers, load tests, or other means to evaluate their load capacity. The results of these evaluations are then used to guide the design and construction of the production piles. In many cases, the indicator piles also are used to support the structure. Many engineers believe the only disadvantage to over designing pile foundations is the additional cost of the pile materials. However, there is another important consequence of over design which can significantly affect construction cost and may even make the foundation impossible to build. What is this consequence and how can it be avoided? - In addition to increasing materials costs, over designed piles are more difficult to install, thus increasing labor and equipment costs. In some cases, the additional labor and equipment costs, as well as the associated delays in the construction schedule, can be dis proportionally large compared to the additional capacity gained. These unnecessary costs and delays can be avoided by more precise designs and by the used of the various techniques of verification and redesign during construction. These measures help assure the as built foundation has sufficient capacity and performance, without being excessively over designed.