Predicting the vertical bearing capacity of single piles based on SCPTU test

Abstract

It was an important problem to assessment Capacity of single pile. Several methods to determine axial pile capacity directly based on cone penetration test (CPT) data are presented and evaluated. Based on the SCPTU test results, the authors try to use penetration data to predict the pile side friction and the bearing capacity. The CPT methods, as well as the SCPTU methods, were used to estimate the load carrying capacities of the investigated piles (Qp). The pile load test was used to determine the measured load carrying capacities (Qm). The pile capacities determined using the different methods were compared with the measured pile capacities obtained from the pile load tests. Two criteria were selected as bases of evaluation: the best fit line for Qp versus Qm and the cumulative probability for the ratio Qp /Qm. Results of the analyses showed that the best methods for determining pile capacity are the two CPTU methods. Furthermore, the SCPTU method is simple, easy to apply, and independent of all operator subjective influence. It is especially suitable for use in pile engineering practice.