301001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Structural Load
27 May 2020
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Document Summary
Normally, piles are designed initially by analytical or other methods, based on estimated loads and soil characteristics. The pile load tests are performed on test piles during the design stage to check the design capacity. Should load test results indicate possible bearing failure or excessive settlement, the pile design should be revised accordingly. To carry out pile load tests the first step is to drive the test piles. They should be driven at a location where soil conditions are known (such as near a borehole) and where soil conditions are relatively poor. Both the test piles and the method of driving/casting them should be exactly the same as will be used in the construction project. The next step is to load the test pile. The pile may be loaded by adding dead weight or by hydraulically jacking (against a fixed platform, for example).
