Field test on application of tip grouting in enlarged head cast-in-place bored pile

Abstract Pile tip grouting is an important technique for improving the bearing capacity of cast-in-place bored piles. This paper presents a field experimental study on the effects of tip post-grouting in an enlarged head cast-in-place bored pile. The bearing data of the pile before and after the grouting were obtained through two load tests. The settling rod method was used to monitor the settlement at three critical sections, including the pile bottom during loading, while the method of rebar stress gauge was employed to monitor the strain of the pile shaft. The study results indicate that post-grouting at the pile tip significantly enhanced the bearing capacity of the pile and helped control the settlement at the pile top. A comparison between the measured and calculated settlement values at critical sections demonstrates the applicability of the settlement rod method and strain gauge method. Post-grouting at the pile toe effectively improved the side friction of the pile, resulting in smaller axial forces in the lower part of the grouted pile under equivalent loads.