This paper is a critical evaluation of the interpretation criteria for pre-bored PC piles in drained soils under axial compression loading. A total of 18 sites with 50 load tests were collected for analysis, and representative interpretation criteria were applied to these load test data to examine their relative merits and interrelationships. From the statistical analysis, the initial linear region is within a very small displacement and is terminated at mean displacement of 0.46%B (B = drilled diameter) or 3.4 mm. The mean normalized ratios of representative interpretation criteria range from 0.78 to 1.28, and the mean displacements are distributed from 15 to > 65 mm. The results indicate that significant difference exists on these criteria to interpret pile capacity. Based on these analyses, the suggested interpretation criteria for engineering practice are given, in terms of both displacement and capacity.
This paper is a critical evaluation of the interpretation criteria for pre-bored PC piles in drained soils under axial compression loading. A total of 18 sites with 50 load tests were collected for analysis, and representative interpretation criteria were applied to these load test data to examine their relative merits and interrelationships. From the statistical analysis, the initial linear region is within a very small displacement and is terminated at mean displacement of 0.46%B (B = drilled diameter) or 3.4 mm. The mean normalized ratios of representative interpretation criteria range from 0.78 to 1.28, and the mean displacements are distributed from 15 to > 65 mm. The results indicate that significant difference exists on these criteria to interpret pile capacity. Based on these analyses, the suggested interpretation criteria for engineering practice are given, in terms of both displacement and capacity.