The prediction of the pile bearing capacity is an important item in deep foundation design. Based on this premise, the Brazilian standard for foundations determines the performance of static load tests for pile assessment. However, as in the Brazilian standard, several other methods evaluate the pile bearing capacity from static load tests. This paper provides a comparison between some analytical methods for the pile bearing capacity from the load-settlement curves of static load tests. Some of the Brazilian methods will address the foundation standard (ABNT, 2010), rigidity by Décourt (1996) and comparable methods according to Massad (1992). Other comparable methods discussed are Davisson (1972), Chin-Kondner (1970) and Van der Veen (1953). Also, the method of the two straight lines (Massad & Lazo (1998) for short piles) will be addressed. The comparisons were made on nine static load tests on piles performed in Northeast Brazil (Pernambuco).
Subjects: pile, static load test, bearing capacity, deep foundations
Author: Denise I. S. Gomes Venturi and Roberto Quental Coutinho, DSc
Publisher: DFI, EFFC