FEM Simulation of Single Pile Load Tests

It is always difficult to predict the axial bearing capacity of a single pile. In the detailed design phase, static loading tests on single piles must be performed for verifying the predicted value. These tests are very expensive and difficult to be carried out. The finite element method (FEM) is more and more commonly applied in geotechnical engineering problems, including pile loading tests. FEM cannot replace the loading tests on single piles, yet could be a reliable tool for simulating the tests. In this paper, FEM is used for simulating some single piles tested with the Maintained Load Test (MLT) procedure. Parameter studies were performed to model a test to get best fit for both the load versus settlement curve, and the distribution of axial pile load versus depth. From the model, best fit soil parameters can be chosen, and further used for the detailed design of the piled foundation. The simulation shown in this paper is particularly useful for complicated piled foundations on piles with different geometry and types, in inhomogeneous geotechnical profiles.