Pile–Soil Interaction during Static Load Test

Abstract

This study highlights the possibility of determining the shear stress distribution along the skin of a pile, which represents skin resistance. Geotechnical engineering is plagued by the challenge of designing appropriate piles as a sufficient foundation construction while being economically justified solution. Static load testing facilitates verification if the pile satisfies these requirements. In most cases, the pile skin resistance is undervalued. This study first introduces the general approach based on static load test results using an appropriate mathematical approach in the presence of linear, vertical shear stress distribution boundary conditions as well as phenomena such as pile shortening and Kirchhoff's principle. Moreover, a scientific approach for pile compression and shear stress distribution is presented. Further, the study expands upon previous work by applying mathematical calculus to displacement piles. The promising results indicate that further work on greater number of piles may lead to a better understanding of pile–soil interaction and a more accurate design process.