Drilled shafts are often a technically sound and cost-effective foundation choice where a deep foundation solution is appropriate based on-site conditions, applied loads, and performance requirements. To avoid adverse performance issues, design of drilled shafts must be performed based on consideration of site-specific geologic conditions and construction methods. There are three basic methods for construction of drilled shafts.  These are (a) dry method, (b) wet method and (c) casing method.  Each of these methods will be discussed in this workshop with emphasis on the wet (slurry) construction method. The pros and cons of mineral (bentonite) and polymer slurries will be discussed.  Guidance and opinions on slurry management and shaft bottom cleaning processes will also be presented.  Slurry construction method will be contrasted with dry and cased construction methods.  Placement of reinforcing cage and concrete will be discussed. Development of potential anomalies and integrity testing methods such as Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL), Gamma Density Logging (GDL), and Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP) will be discussed. Typical specification criteria for the construction methods and integrity testing will also be presented.

Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) the construction procedures for drilled shafts, and (b) the importance of constructability considerations in design of drilled shafts. The workshop will help you assimilate these crucial considerations through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the various construction procedures which would help you avoid costly design and construction errors in real-world projects.

Session 1

• Introductions
• General terminology for drilled shafts
• Typical structural details
• Overview of construction methods
• Dry shaft construction
• Cased shaft construction
• Wet shaft construction
• Mineral and polymer slurries
• Slurry management
• Shaft excavation and cleaning
• Review of Session 1
• Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session

Session 2

• Roadmap for Session
• Reinforcing cage
• Concrete operations (free-fall, gravity tremie, pumped tremie, etc.
• Tolerances and checklists
• Integrity testing – Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL)
• Integrity testing – Gamma Density Logging (GDL)
• Integrity testing – Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP)
• Effect of anomalies on performance of drilled shafts
• Closure and references
• Review of Session 2 and full workshop
• Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
• Adjourn