This paper aims to deal with the assessment of axial load capacity for cast in place pile foundations, which are made by the earth drill method, by using the data taken from Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) and Piezocone Penetration Tests (CPTUs). These tests were carried out as part of the investigation program for P.N.G. Terminal-Power Plant, near Semani beach, in Hoxhara marsh, in the western part of Albania. The design of axial load capacity of piles is based on empirical formula using SPT and CPTU values. This study presents the results of axial load capacity analysis of cast in place piles by different analytical calculation methods, which are based on in situ tests results, and also referring to the Building Standard Law of Japan. In the end of our work, differences between calculations methods by using different in situ tests results are shown in tables and graphs.

This paper aims to deal with the comparison of the estimated settlements derived by in situ tests with the observed settlements in site, in order to evaluate the accuracy of settlement prediction by in situ tests, in comparison not only with site observation by topographic means, but also with the values of settlements derived by numerical analysis by means of PLAXIS 2D and 3D. The site where are carried out the tests and periodically are observed the settlements since the beginning of construction process, is located in the Oil Product Terminal, at the industrial park of Porto Romano, Durres, Albania. The main purpose of this project was the ground improvement by using preloading method in order to prevent liquefaction process and settlements. The data used to conduct this study are taken by the site investigation done after inserting into the soil vertical drains made of columns of free-draining gravel (gravel pile drains) until 14 m depth and center-to-center spacing of 2 m, and wick drains (premanufactured) until 25 m depth and center-to-center spacing of 1.8 m. The observed settlements are periodically measured by topographic equipments. This paper will present the conclusions derived by settlement analyzes from in situ tests and site observations.

This paper presents the stability problems of an artificial cohesion-less embankment slope supported on a saturated silty clay layer.In June 2011, an embankment about 9.00 m high started to be constructed in the Energetic Park of Porto Romano, in Durres city, Albania, as part of Preloading to Mitigate Seismic Risk project. The embankment, foreseen to be built in a conic trunk shape form, was to be used as a preload during the consolidation process of the site.Eighteen days after starting the construction process, when the embankment reached the height of 6.35 m, a soil stability failure of the embankment occurred. The calculations include the embankment slope stability analysis, during the design phase, considering the total height of the embankment (9.00 m) and at the moment of failure when the embankment height reached 6.35 m. The paper also presents the results of a back calculation of shear strength parameters at the moment of failure. Probability Based Design Method and Eurocode 7 Design Approaches are used during the analysis, considering long-term (drained) and short-term (undrained) conditions of the silty clay foundation.