Prof.

Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 1

Types of load test

Static load test

Quick test: load is incremented at fixed period of time
Slow maintained load test: load is incremented after settlement stabilization
Dynamic test
Statnamic or Rapid load test (RLT)
Dynamic load test (DLT)
Integrity test

Drained

Undrained

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 2

Static pile load tests

The pile load tests may be performed with two objectives:

 Design Load Test: The purpose is to verify the ultimate bearing
capacity of pile and consequently the load is increased until failure.
Normally it is performed on piles set up specifically for the test, before
starting the realization of the real piles group.
 Acceptance trial test: The purpose is to verify the serviceability
bearing capacity of pile and it is normally carried out after the
construction of the pile group. The load is increased over 1.5 or 2
times the design load.
The difficulties are mainly due to the realization of the contrast because
the entity of the load to reach may be very large. It may be assured by a
dead weight (ballast system) or by 2 lateral piles used in traction.

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 3

Ballast system

Ballast

Stainless steel bars

Steel plate Transversal beams
Lateral supports
Load cell
Hydraulic
Steel plate piston
Reference Micrometer
bars

Testing pile

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 4

Contrast system with traction piles

>4D
Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 5
Load application

Load Q The test is performed in several

1.5Qprog load/unload cycles, in each
cycle reaching a load 1.5 higher
Qprog than the previous cycle.
The load is applied in steps.
∆Q
Each step is maintained for a
Time fixed time interval or up to
Load Q reach a settlement rate lower
than a fixed value.
1.5Qprog

Qprog
1° cycle
2° cycle
∆Q

Settlement
Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 6
Load application
After application of a load, displacement readings are taken after 2’, 5’, 10’, 20’,
etc. …
The duration of each increment may be fixed prescribing that the next load step
may be applied when the settlement has attained its final value. In practice, it is
customary to fix a conventional criterion; for instance, it is assumed that the
settlement has reached its final value when two readings, taken at an interval of
20 minutes, do not differ more than 0.01 to 0.03 mm.
Time, t [min]
0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375
0
0.25
0.5
0.75
1
Settlement, s [mm]

1.25
1.5
1.75
2
2.25
2.5
2.75
3
3.25
3.5
3.75 Settlement vs time curve
4

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 7

Load application
Examples of Load-settlement curve

Load, Q [kN]
0 300 600 900 1200 1500
0

0.5

1
Settlement, s [mm]

1.5

2.5

3.5

Settlement with time

at constant load

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 8

Measurements
Load:
 Pressure at the manometer
 Load cells
Pile head settlements:
 Dial gauges
 Topografic system (manual or laser)
Pile deformations:
 Strain gauges
 Tell-tales
 Extensometers
 Fiber optics

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 9

Measurements of pile deformations
Strain gauges attached to steel bar

Monitored sections
Attachment to
steel cage

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 10

Measurements of pile deformations
𝜀𝜀(𝑧𝑧) 𝐹𝐹(𝑧𝑧) = 𝐸𝐸(𝑧𝑧)𝐴𝐴(𝑧𝑧)𝜀𝜀(𝑧𝑧)

Deformation, ε [µε]
Depth, z [m]

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 11

Measurements of pile deformations
Now with Optical fibres it is possible to get a
continuous measure of strain.

Optical fibres

(Bersan et al. 2018)

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 12
Load-transfer curves
𝑧𝑧
Pile displacement: 𝑤𝑤 𝑧𝑧 = 𝑤𝑤 0 − � 𝜀𝜀 𝑧𝑧 ′ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
0
Normal force at depth z: 𝐹𝐹(𝑧𝑧) = 𝐸𝐸(𝑧𝑧)𝐴𝐴(𝑧𝑧)𝜀𝜀(𝑧𝑧)

1 ∆𝐹𝐹
Shaft friction: 𝑞𝑞𝑠𝑠 =
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 ∆𝑧𝑧

(Bersan et al. 2018)

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 13
Load-transfer curves

Tip force: 𝑄𝑄𝑏𝑏 = 𝐹𝐹(𝐿𝐿)

𝑄𝑄𝑏𝑏
Base resistance: 𝑞𝑞𝑏𝑏 =
𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏

Calculated tip
resistance: 6920 kPa

Calculated shaft
friction: 27 kPa

(Bersan et al. 2018)

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 14
Interpretation of load tests

The limit load is the load that leads to a certain limit state (plunging
of the pile, excessive settlement, other arbitrary choices…)
There are different definitions of the limit load that leads to
different interpretation criteria:
 Extrapolation methods (Chin, 1970; Van der Veen, 1953)
 Limit (absolute or relative) settlement (EC7, NTC)
 Graphical constructions (De Beer, 1968; Brich-Hansen, )

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 15

Hyperbolic method (Chin 1970)
It is assumed that the load-displacement curve has the form:
𝑠𝑠
𝑄𝑄 =
𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛
The limit load is the load for infinite settlement (asymptote)
s 1 Q
Q
lim = = Qlim
s → ∞ m + ns n 𝑠𝑠
𝑄𝑄Q=w/(m+nw)
=
1/m 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛
Since the hyperbolic model
predicts a Qlim a little larger, it
is suggested to assume
Qlim=0.9/n. 0.9/n

1/n
sw

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 16

Hyperbolic method (Chin 1970)
𝑠𝑠
Rearranging the hyperbolic equation we obtain: = 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛
𝑄𝑄
1. Build a plot s-s/Q
2. Find the equation of
the fitting line. s/Q
w/Q
m = intercept
n = angular coefficient
3. Qlim=1/n
n

w s
Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 17
Exponential method (Van der Veen 1953)
It is assumed that the load-displacement curve has the form:
𝑄𝑄 = 𝑄𝑄𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 1 − exp(−𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼)

The limit load is the load for infinite settlement (asymptote).

Qlim and α are determine by best-fitting of the load test results.

Rearranging the equation,

Qlim results the value that gives
line when plotting:
)
𝑄𝑄𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
𝑄𝑄
1
𝑄𝑄
ln(1 −

ln(1 − ) = −𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼 α
𝑄𝑄𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙

Settlement, s [mm]
Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 18
Limit settlements according EC7 and NTC2018

Qlim is the value measured at a total settlement of:

• 0.10D for small and medium (d<80 cm) diameter pile
• 0.05D for large diameter pile (d≥80 cm)

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 19

Graphical methods

De Beer defines Qlim as the load corresponding to the

point of maximum curvature in a plot log(Q)-log(s)
log(Q)

log(s)

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 20

Brinch Hansen 80% method
The Brinch Hansen 80% method starts by assuming a relation Q-s in the
form:
𝑠𝑠
𝑄𝑄 =
𝐶𝐶1 𝑠𝑠 + 𝐶𝐶2
and assumes that the limit load Qlim is the load at a displacement (slim)
equal four times the displacement at a 20% smaller stress.
From the assumption it is
possible to demonstrate that:

𝑄𝑄𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 = 1/2 𝐶𝐶1 𝐶𝐶2

𝑠𝑠
To find Qlim the data have to be
𝑄𝑄
reported in s0.5/Q-s plot and
finding the fitting line at large
displacement:
𝑠𝑠
= 𝐶𝐶1 𝑠𝑠 + 𝐶𝐶2
𝑄𝑄
Displacement, s [mm]
Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 21
Brinch Hansen 90% method

The Brinch Hansen 90% method defines Qlim as the load determined at a
settlement equal two times the settlement corresponding to 0.9Qlim.
Using the same relationship of the previous method, again the data may
be plotted in s0.5/Q-s plot and finding the fitting line at large
displacement:

From the assumption it is

possible to demonstrate
that:
2 3
𝑄𝑄𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 =
7 𝐶𝐶1 𝐶𝐶2

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 22

Dynamic Load Test (DLT) and Rapid Load Test (RLT)
Hiting mass
Energy of Both in Rapid Load Test (RLT) and Dynamic
blow: E =Mxh
Load Test (DLT) a pile-driving hammer or a
Hard wood
large drop-weight strikes blows down the pile,
as interface imposing large strain.
Axial strain and acceleration of the head of the
Force and pile are recorded in the meanwhile.
acceleration
transducers
The difference between RLT and DLT is the
duration of the loading.

• Velocity and displacement are obtained

integrating the acceleration over time.
• Force is obtained by strain as: F=EA∙ε

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 23

Interpretation methods DLT
In DLT the impulse duration is 5-20ms, thus the generated wave length is
shorter than pile length.
It travels with rate c and was reflected when the cross section changes
and when arrives at the base.

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 24

Interpretation methods DLT
Results must be interpreted numerically with programs based on the wave
propagation equation (e.g. CPAWAP).
A signal matching procedure is carried out to calibrate the soil model and the
impedance of the pile.
From this calibration the static response
is than estimated.

Force in the pile:

Where c = wave velocity in the pile

Z = impedence = total axial force
supported by a pile cross-section
when it is subjected to a velocity v = 1
Comparison between the static response
and the curve interfered by DLT test

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 25

Impedence

For a given fall height, a hammer blow imposes a certain initial velocity at the
pile head. This initial velocity depends on the hammer and driving system and
on the pile properties.
The height from which the ram falls, the amount of energy lost in the fall, and
the energy effectively transferred to the pile determined the initial velocity
imposed on a given pile.
For the same velocity imposed, the force that is sustained by the pile is
directly proportional to the pile impedence: a pile with large impedence (large
section or large product ρc) is able to take a large force and can driven harder
be the same hammer and driving system.

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 26

Interpretation methods RLT
In RLT, the loading time is longer, thus the wave length is longer than
pile length and all the cross-sections move in phase with the same
velocity.
Results of RLT can be interpreted using:
• Unloading Point Method (UPM)
• Sheffield method (SHM)
• Advanced method: 1D wave equation analysis or 3D FEM

Hölscher et al. - CUR publication 230

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 27

Unloading Point Method

The UPM is based on the following

equation:

𝐹𝐹 = 𝐹𝐹𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑎𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 𝐶𝐶𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝

The equation implies that

the pile body can be
treated as a unique mass
subjected to a given
acceleration, usually
measured or derived at
the pile head.

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 28

Unloading Point Method

Typical signals recorded

with Statnamic test

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 29

Unloading Point Method
𝐹𝐹 = 𝐹𝐹𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑎𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 𝐶𝐶𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝

Looking for the instant in which v=0

and displacement is maximum

0
𝐹𝐹𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 𝐹𝐹 − 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑎𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 − 𝐶𝐶𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝

This force is corrected for rate

effects using an empirical
factor h, which is based on the
comparison of RLT and SLT
(database) results
𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 = 𝜂𝜂𝐹𝐹𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

η=0,94 in sand
η=0,66 in clay

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 30

Prescriptions for pile load tests in NTC2018
6.4.3.7.1. Load test on pilot piles
Design load tests must be performed on piles specifically realized with same
geometry and technique close to the project area. If one only test is executed,
the trial pile must be located in the most unfavorable soil condition
The time between pile execution and test execution must be enough to assure
the complete concrete hardening and dissipation of pore pressure generated
during the pile execution.
The design tests must reach the failure load or maximum load large enough to
permit the determination of failure load from the analysis of data.
The pushing system must be chosen to reach a load not less than 2.5QSLS .
The bearing capacity of system is assumed equal to the load correspondent to
a settlement (measured at the pile head) equal to 10%D for small and medium
piles (d <80 cm), ≥5% for large pile (d ≥80 cm).
If these settlements are not reached, extrapolation methods may be applied,
but only if the curve has clearly reached the no-linear trend.

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 31

Prescriptions for pile load tests in NTC2018
For large piles, the design load test may be performed on pile with the same
length but smaller diameter, specifically justified and elaborated to collect
information useful for the extrapolation of the bearing capacity of the large pile.
In any case the diameter dtp of trial pile must be ≥50%d and ≥80 cm. The trial pile
must be opportunely monitored in order to determine the transfer curves both for
shaft and base resistances.
Dynamic tests at high strain level may substituted the design tests, but only if
opportunely interpreted to interfere information comparable to that obtainable
from a design static load test.
6.4.3.7.2. Load test on real piles
Static load tests must be executed on foundation piles to verify the behavior of
piles under the design actions, except for piles with a prevalently horizontal load.
The tests have to reach loads equal to 1.5QSLS.

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 32

Prescriptions for pile load tests in NTC2018
The maximum load applied in the test may be reduced to 1.2QSLS if the tested
piles are instrumented for the determination of transfer curves.
The number and position of tested piles must be chosen in relation to the
importance of the structure and the heterogeneity of soil stratigraphy. In any
case, the number of tests must be not les than:
- 1 if n ≤ 20 (n= number of pile in the realized foundation)
- 2 if 21 < n ≤ 50;
- 3 if 51 < n ≤ 100;
- 4 if 101 < n ≤ 200;
- 5 if 201 < n ≤ 500;
- The number close to 5+n/500 if n > 500.
Even if the total number of test has not to be less than the limits indicated above,
some static tests may be substituted with dynamic tests, only is the dynamic
tests have been calibrated with design static tests executed on trial piles and no-
destructive quality tests are executed on at least 50% of piles. In any case, at
least one static test must be carried out.
For foundation in very difficult conditions (e.g. offshore structures in deep sea)
specific codes of demonstrated validity may be applied.
Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 33
NTC2018
The characteristic value Rk of bearing capacity for a pile in compression, Rc,k ,
or in traction, Rt,k , is obtained from the correspondent values Rc,m or Rt,m ,
determined by elaborating the results of:
a) One or more static design load tests;
b) One or more dynamic design tests.

 ( Rc , m ) ( Rc , m )min   ( Rt , m ) ( Rt , m )min 
Rc , k = min  mean
;  Rt , k = min  mean
; 
 ξ i ξ j   ξ i ξ j 
i equl to 1, 5 j equal to 2, 6

Prof. Cola: Foundations _ Lesson 12: Load tests on piles 34