Distribution of end bearing, tip shear and rotation on drilled shafts with combined loading in Florida limestone : final report, May 2008 [summary].

BD-545, RPWO #59
Florida bridges in recent years have increasingly been supported by large drilled shafts that are 8-12 feet in diameter. The use of large diameter shafts reduces the number of piles needed to support the structure, which in turn can lower construction costs and aid noise abatement efforts. The large shafts are also more resistant to lateral pressures like those resulting from hurricane forces or vessel impacts.