The Evolution of Deep Foundation Quality Management Techniques in the United States

The development and acceptance of quality control and assurance techniques for deep foundations in the United States is a relatively recent phenomenon, and one whose progress can be attributed to a handful of key individuals who first recognized the early promise of these methods, and worked diligently to validate them. The judicious use of nondestructive testing combined with various methods of full-scale load testing has been a major factor in the growth of the drilled shaft and augered, cast-in-place pile industry, by simultaneously allowing engineers to assess and adjust design assumptions, and allowing contractors to improve construction techniques and equipment. Such quality management programs have al-so justified significant increases in the allowable bearing capacities stipulated in building codes, particularly in Chicago and the Mid-west. This paper reviews the evolution and acceptance of quality control and quality assurance methods in the United States, and the effect they have had on deep foundation design and construction, and building code requirements nationwide.