The use of auger cast-in-place (ACIP) pilings is very common in Florida; however, there is a significant degree of uncertainty in determining the actual capacity of the pilings, especially when the pilings are installed through layers of cohesive soils. Therefore, there is a need to improve upon the existing methods of predicting the behavior of ACIP piles in layered soils. As a result, the primary objective of this study is to determine if a significant difference exists between the accepted methods of pile load test analysis. Provided a significant difference is noted, the secondary objective would be to determine if an improvement could be made to enhance the existing empirical relationships used to predict pile behavior in layered soils. In order to accomplish these objectives, this study presents an evaluation of some of the most commonly used methods for predicting ACIP pile capacity based upon the results of actual field load tests. Data from twenty-five load tests were analyzed using popular methods and statistical analyses were preformed to determine and evaluate the data. These evaluations were utilized to explore correlations between predicted behavior and actual results. Based upon the results of this study, there is no statistically significant difference between the load test analyses methods examined. As a result, no improvement to the existing methods of predicting ACIP pile behavior in layered soils may be recommended at this time, and further research in this subject matter is recommended.

Augered Cast-In-Place (ACIP) Piles are used in areas were the loading from a superstructure exceeds the soil bearing capacity for usage of a shallow foundation. In Northwest Florida and along the Gulf Coast, ACIP piles are often utilized as foundation alternatives for multi-story condominium projects. Data from 25 compression load tests at 13 different project sites in Florida and Alabama were analyzed to determine their individual relationships between anticipated and determined compression load capacity. The anticipated capacity of the ACIP pile is routinely overestimated due to uncertainties involved with the process of estimating the compressive capacity and procedures of placing the piles; therefore, larger diameter and deeper piles are often used to offset this lack of understanding. The findings established in this study will provide a better empirical relationship between predicted behaviors and actual behaviors of ACIP piles in cohesionless soils. These conclusions will provide the engineer with a better understanding of ACIP pile behaviors and provide a more feasible approach to more accurately determine the pile-soil interaction in mostly cohesionless soils.