Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) pile foundations were used to support a major new nickel mine process plant located at the east coast of the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The site is situated on a relatively level coastal strip with near surface soils in the area generally comprised of alluvial and dune deposited fine to medium grained sands. The site experiences frequent cyclones and high winds resulting in significant design lateral and uplift loads. Over six thousand piles, 16 m long, were constructed in 21 months from September 2007 to May 2009. Static pile load tests were conducted prior to and during pile construction to ensure that the required pile capacities were achieved. This paper presents the outline of the pile construction, quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) measures employed during installation and outcomes of the pile load testing program.
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