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Abstract

A reliability evaluation of the AASHTO design equations for drilled shafts is described. The evaluation computed the variance of a data base containing load tests to failure on 30 straight-sided drilled shafts using first-order, second-moment methods applied to the AASHTO design equations. The computed variance was compared with the measured variance of the data base. The measured variance was found to exceed the computed variance for approximately 75 percent of the load tests. This is believed to result from important factors affecting the axial capacity of the drilled shaft not being included in the AASHTO design equations. It is speculated that the missing factors are related to common variations in construction practices for drilled shafts.

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Reliability Evaluation of AASHTO Design Equations for Drilled Shafts

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