Piles and Pile-Deck Connections
The objectives of the pile and pile-structural connection research program are to:

  • develop tools to evaluate the performance of existing pile-wharf systems,
  • develop design methods for establishing optimal seismic performance from the pile-soil-structural system, and
  • develop improved pile and pile-structural connection systems that are economical and improve the seismic performance of port facilities.

pile_test.jpg The research team at the University of Washington has been evaluating past research results and professional practice. They met with practicing port design engineers at the Port of Seattle on December 7, 2006 to discuss current practice to evaluate different pile connection options. Approximately eight local practicing engineers attended this meeting. A second meeting was held with port engineers from California (in Oakland, CA) on January 17, 2007.

From these meetings some initial connections have been selected for study. These connections have been designed, and construction of the specimens has started. The first specimen was tested at the University of Washington in September 2007.

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