Analytical model for an innovative pile test

Abstract

In recent years a new type of pile test employing a short-duration load was developed that became known as pile statnamic test. The paper describes a method of dynamic analysis specifically formulated for this test. The aim of the analysis is twofold: to calculate the pile load displacements in such a way that a satisfactory match with the data measured during the test is obtained; and using the model parameters established from this comparison to predict the bearing capacity of the pile. The mathematical model is one-dimensional and accounts for slip as well as energy dissipation in the far field. Unlike the empirical parameters of the Smith model for pile driving analysis, the parameters of the proposed model are, for the most part, directly related to standard geotechnical parameters. The case studies conducted thus far and described in the paper indicate that the proposed mathematical model works very well and that the statnamic test may become a useful tool for pile capacity prediction. Key words : piles, pile driving, dynamic response, dynamic tests, bearing capacity.