Welcome to FHWA-NHI-132070B Drilled Shaft Inspector Tutorial, Module 1:

Defining Drilled Shafts. This module will explore the basics of drilled shafts.
Image description: A giant auger used to drill shafts.

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

Define and describe drilled shaft foundations;
List drilled shaft types; and
List advantages and disadvantages of drilled shaft foundations.
During this module, knowledge checks are provided to test your understanding of
the material presented.
This module will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

First, lets explore and define drilled shafts. Then well review the different drilled
shaft types and the advantages and disadvantages of drilled shafts.

A drilled shaft is a deep foundation that is constructed by placing fluid concrete in a

drilled hole. Structures can be supported by a variety of foundations. The selection
of the foundation system is generally based upon several factors, such as:
Loads to be imposed;
Site subsurface materials;
Special needs, for example high lateral capacity and others; and
Cost.

Drilled shafts, also called caissons, drilled piers, or bored piles, have proven to be a
cost effective, excellent performing, deep foundation system that is utilized worldwide. Typically they are used for bridges and large structures, where large loads
and lateral resistance are major factors.
Image description: Schematic of a drilled shaft.

There are a few different types of drilled shafts: end bearing, friction, and
combination.
Select each type to learn more.

Drilled shafts can be designed as "End Bearing" meaning the load is carried by the
base or "end" of the shaft.

Shafts designed for having their load dissipated throughout the materials they are
formed into are called "Friction" shafts. The site subsurface soils the shaft are
installed into "grab" the sides of the shaft.

Shafts can also be designed as combined end bearing and friction shaft.

There are several advantages to drilled shaft foundations. Drilled shaft foundations:
Can be a cost effective option;
Minimize pile cap needs;
Produce slightly less noise and reduced vibrations;
Are easily adaptable to varying site conditions; and
Have high axial and lateral loading capacity.

Although there are many advantages to using drilled shaft foundations, there are
some disadvantages to be aware of and consider. Drilled shaft foundations:
Are extremely sensitive to construction procedures;
Are not recommended at sites with contaminated soils; and
Quality and performance are affected by both a lack of construction expertise and a
lack of qualified inspectors.

Now lets review what you have learned.

Select the best answer. What is a drilled shaft?
a) A type of deep foundation;
b) Constructed by placing concrete in a deep hole;
c) A foundation that has the capacity for large loads; or
d) All of the above.

The correct answer is d) All of the above.

True or false. Drilled shafts can only be designed as end bearing or friction.
a) True; or
b) False.

The correct answer is b) False. Besides being end bearing or friction, drilled shafts
can be designed as a combination of end bearing and friction.

You have finished Module 1: Defining Drilled Shafts.

Return to the course curriculum to select the next module. To close this window,
select the "X" in the upper right hand corner of your screen.