Model of Probabilistic Analysis of Pile Capacity Based on the Extrapolation of Load-Settlement Curves

Abstract

This paper formulates a mathematical model using the extrapolation of load-settlement curves with a rational function for analyzing the capacity of piles obtained from the static load test (SLT). In preliminary analyses, the extrapolation was based on the application of a number of mathematical functions that were gradually eliminated by iterative selection and filtering. The solution was obtained by extrapolation with a rational function. Using a rational function in the extrapolation of the load-settlement curve, a clearly identifiable part is obtained in which the asymptote is vertical, indicating the reached limit state of capacity in the soil and/or in the pile. The probabilistic analysis showed that no unique value for pile capacity was obtained, and that the spectrum of capacity values depends on the probability of occurrence of the corresponding event.