Test Results

Figure 1 - Axial compression test.

Axial compression tests were performed during July 2001 on a 32.5" (0.83m) section of 16" (400mm) diameter SEAPILE composite marine piling in the Fritz Engineering Laboratory of Lehigh University. Strain gauges were installed in the pile section and in the outer skin (See Figure 1). The maximum load achieved was 2,172,000 lb (985 tons), at which point the pile failed. Interestingly, the failure mode appears to be a simple mushrooming of the fiberglass reinforcing bars, and not primarily a failure of the plastic matrix. This provides a relatively safe mode of failure.

Radial compression tests and axial load tests on the fiberglass reinforcing bars used in the SEAPILE composite marine piling were also conducted in this series of tests (See Figure 2). The piling withstood a radial load in excess of 300 kips (136 tons) without failure.

For additional information about the test results, and for design information, please contact Seaward.

Further axial load tests of SEAPILE composite marine piling driven into the soil, as well as axial creep tests, are planned.

Figure 2 - Radial compression test.