Synopses & Reviews
A Rapid Load Test (RLT), developed to determine the initial stiffness and bearing capacity, is an economical and practical alternative to a Static Load Test (SLT). The broad application of RLT, however, was hampered by uncertainty about the interpretation of the test results. This book offers clear guidance on the available analysis techniques and their reliability.
The guidelines were related to an international standard which is drawn up by CEN and can be used in two ways:
Straightforward interpretation of test results, chapter 1-3
Interpretation with additional background information about the possibilities and limitations, chapter 4-8
The guidelines were drawn up by the Dutch CUR-committee on rapid load testing on piles.
Chapters 1 and 2 deal with the practical execution of the test and the presentation of the results. Chapter 3 gives a general overview of existing interpretation methods and refers to step-by-step descriptions of the two advised interpretation methods.
The aspects which are important for the interpretation are discussed in chapter 4, also showing that the inertia of the pile should be taken into account. In clay soil the rate effect (the dependency of strength and stiffness on loading rate) is also of importance, whereas in sand and silt the generation of pore water pressures during an RLT plays a role. The velocity of the RLT is such that the reaction of sand and silt might be considered as partially drained. These guidelines indicate how these effects can be compensated to obtain the static resistance in the final results.
Chapter 5 presents two interpretation methods (a method for piles in sand, gravel, silt and piles on rock and a method for piles in clay). For practical use, the methods are described in a step-by-step scheme in an Appendix.
Synopsis
This books offers a clear understanding of the interpretation of the results Rapid Load test. The differences between piles in sand and in clay are presented and explained. It is based on the most recent scientific research and insights. These are combined with empirical data to practical methods for geotechnical engineers.
A rapid Load Test is an economical and practical alternative for a Static Load test for the determination of the initial stiffness and the bearing capacity of foundation piles. This book offers well-defined and calibrated Guidelines for the analysis of Rapid Load Test on piles.
The main purpose of a load test on a foundation pile is getting more confidence on the reliability of the foundation. Since a Rapid Load test requires more interpretation than a Static Load Test, the application of a reliable interpretation method is essential to reach the purpose of the Rapid Load test.
These Guidelines address two types of readers:
(1) Engineers who need a well defined and reliable interpretation method. For these users a short and comprehensive description of the theoretical background is added. This description is enough to understand the available interpretation methods which are presented in clear step by step schemes.
(2) Engineers and scientists who need to have a better understanding of the methods and their background. For these readers additional chapters presenting the state of the art are available. In addition, the possible safety approach within the framework of Eurocode 7 is presented.