Critério estatístico para obtenção de valores de NSPT para previsão da capacidade de carga de estacas por métodos semi empíricos.

Abstract

One of the most challenging aspects of geotechnical engineering is the selection of soil parameters from field and / or laboratory tests to be used in analytical or numerical models for foundation design. Due to known uncertainties in SPT tests and wide availability of criteria for NSPT interpretation, a proposed procedure is presented based on 95% confidence limits around a trend line defined by simple linear regression analysis expressing the variation of NSPT with depth. The NSPT values obtained by the proposed approach have been used to estimate the pile ultimate capacity of 19 isolated continuous flight auger piles using different semi-empirical methods, such as Aoki and Velloso (1975) with modified coefficients as proposed by Monteiro (1997), Décourt and Quaresma (1978) modified by Décourt (1996) and Alonso (1996). Static load tests of the same 19 piles have been extrapolated by Van Der Veen (1953) and Décourt (1996) methods, as an aid for comparison and validation of the statistical criterion. Additionally, were made with the fulcrum in item 6.2.1.2.1 of ABNT NBR 6122: 2010 - Resistance calculated by semi-empirical method, evaluations of safety factors in relation to load project, also including the premise of recognizing representative regions and taking into account the number of SPT tests, a fact that provides the decreased uncertainty of the parameters, indicating a lower FS. The dissertation emphasizes the advantages of an adequate statistical treatment of the geotechnical data, similar to what is recommended by the Eurocode. Such approach allows and encourages a more rational decision including all interested parties - consumers, designers, inspectors, contractors and scientific community providing more objective and harmonious discussions on this subject.