The effect of loading rate on pile bearing capacity of saturated sand

Pile load tests are commonly used by engineers to determine its bearing capacity. At present, there are three methods of pile load tests: the static, the dynamic and the quasi-static test. The static pile load test is done by applying an axial load on the pile with a long duration. The dynamic and quasi-static tests are done with an impact load on pile head of very short duration. However, the required force pulse in the quasi-static test is longer than in the dynamic test. This research focuses on the comparison between quasi-static and static tests. An important aspect in order to verify the results of quasi-static application with respect to more widely used static loading. The results of quasi-static tests have both static and dynamic components. Then, in order to convert the results of a quasi-static test to static pile bearing capacity, the dynamic component (inertial and damping effects) in the soil responses have to be understood. The effect of generates pore water pressure and its dissipation during pile penetration are unclear and can limit the interpretation of the results of a quasi-static test