New technique of ground improvement: driven cast-in-situ thin wall concrete pipe piles (PCC)

The driven cast-in-situ concrete thin-wall pipe pile (PCC) is a new technique for soft ground improvement and has been recently approached in China. It has become one of the most cost-effective soft soil improvement methods that can increase the bearing capacity and reduce the settlement of the soil. This paper presents a field application in a highway foundation improvement project. The field study has demonstrated that PCC pile composite foundation is a cost-effective way of improvement. The cast-in-PCC composite foundation piles; design theory, construction technology and monitoring are described. From the test results of cast-in-reinforcement it is clearly easier to control and the PCC technology is economically advantageous. The advantages of the method are proposed to be promoted in expressway construction to have greater social and economic benefits in the world.