Static Pile Load Test

   Full-scale static loading, conformed by ASTM D1143, is a widely accepted test method for authoritative assessment of deep foundation. Testing is typically performed once and the result is considered the definitive answer regarding the pile’s load bearing capacity.

   The static pile load test is the most common method of testing the capacity of a pile and it is also considered to be the best measure of foundation suitability to resist anticipated design loads. The static load test involves the direct measurement of pile head displacement in the response to a physically applied test load. This test provides very reliable data for pile capacity.

   This method is applicable to all kind of pile types, over land or over water, and may be carried out on either production piles or test piles. Test piles are specifically constructed for the purpose of carrying out load tests and therefore, are commonly loaded to failure. Testing of production piles however, is limited to prove that a pile will perform satisfactorily at the serviceability or design load, plus an overload to demonstrate that the pile has some reserve capacity.

   Furthermore installed and measured instrumentation in to the test pile such as strain gauge, fiber optic and extensometer can available to determine the soil parameters in order to verify and optimize the design of the foundation for a structure.