ABSTRACT
Rock socketed piles are typically selected when large loads of superstructures, such as high-rise buildings, tower structures, and bridge footings/abutments, need to be transferred to competent bearing strata so as to restrict deformations within the serviceability limits. Furthermore, the use of drilled piles socketed into rock as foundation structures is one of the best solutions when layers of loose soil overlie bedrock at shallow depths. In these cases, considerable bearing capacity can be ensured by shaft friction in rock, even with small pile displacements (Carrubba 1997).
