A modified Pile Load Test Based on Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of Bored Pile in Clayey Soil. (Dept C )

Abstract

This study summarizes the evaluation of the pile static load test as a tool for the prediction of pile behavior in clayey soils. The pile and soil cases were modeled by three different constitutive models; Mohr-Columb (M-C), Hardening Soil (HS), and Soft Soil Creep (SSC). The static loading test scenarios were also numerically modeled to study the pile behavior. The models were analyzed by using numerical finite elements software (PLAXIS 3D Foundation). A construction site located in Mansoura, Dakahleya Governorate, EGYPT, was selected to perform the field tests. In order to simulate the soil in the numerical models, two borings with depth of 25 m were carried out to investigate the soil properties in the same site where field static pile load tests are performed later. The pile capacity and settlement were calculated theoretically for each case by using both Egyptian Code formula and numerical constitutive models. The load test was simulated twice for each pile. The first simulates the standard static load test while the second simulates the real-life loading. The results showed that the pile behavior obtained by standard static load test was extremely exaggerated. A modified quick static load test method was proposed and verified. Also it has been proved that, the Modified Quick Load Test (MQLT) method can be used as an alternative method to the classical static load test method.