Wave Equation Analyses of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Piling

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites represent an alternative construction material without many of the performance disadvantages of traditional materials. The use of FRP as a pile material can eliminate deterioration problems of conventional piling materials in waterfront environments and aggressive soils. The driveability of traditional piling can be predicted using wave equation analysis of piles (WEAP). The input parameters used in WEAP are obtained by back-analyses of actual case histories. The properties of FRP piling differ from those of conventional piling, so conventional WEAP input parameters may not work as well for FRP composite piling. In this paper, WEAP input parameters for three composite pile types are calibrated using available driving records. The driveability of FRP composite piling is also compared with that of piling made of conventional materials such as timber, steel, and concrete.