Analyses of Widely Used Design Codes for Pile Foundation Using the t-z Method

The efficiency of the current design methods for computing pile resistances is analyzed using field load-settlement tests results. Twelve load-settlement test data for drilled shafts and bored piles were obtained from the literature. These load-test data were fitted using the t-z method. Subsequently, the ultimate resistances were evaluated based upon the failure criteria from following methods: (1) the Davisson's approach and (2) settlement corresponding to 5% or 10% shaft diameter approach. The ultimate resistances for these drilled shafts and bored piles were also predicted using methods based on the design code from North America (United States, Canada), Europe, and Asia (Japan). The pile resistances determined from field load-settlement tests were compared with those calculated using the design codes. The comparisons show that most design codes predict a conservative resistance for drilled shafts and bored piles. However, in the case of drilled shafts, we find that some of the design codes can over-predict the resistance and, therefore, should be applied cautiously. This research also shows that the t-z method can be successfully used to predict the ultimate resistance and the load transfer mechanism for a single pile.