44. Results of pile load tests in mine tailings

In the Port of Rotterdam several old harbour basins will be reclaimed.

These reclamations can be performed with sand or other materials. One of these alternative materials are mine tailings. With the reconstruction of these harbour basins it might be possible that new quaywall structures will be built with its foundation-level in the dumped material.

To assess the pile bearing capacity of the mine tailings an extensive pile load testing programme was started with the testing of 4 precast concrete piles.

The results of these pile load tests are discussed, while also a calculation method for the bearing capacity is derived.

Comparison is made with existing design rules based on cone penetration test results. Finally conclusions and recommendations for further research are presented.

• 1.0 Introduction

• 2.0 Geotechnical data of the test site

• 3.0 Pile testing set-up

• 4.0 Prediction of the ultimate pile bearing capacity

• 5.0 Pile test results

• 6.0 Comparison predicted and measured results

• 7.0 Conclusions

• 8.0 References