Conduct and interpretation of load tests on drilled shaft foundations: Volume 1, Detailed guidelines: Final report

Load tests provide the only reliable basis for verification of an analysis/design methodology for deep foundations. No satisfactory guidelines currently exist which provide engineers with consistent procedures for conducting and interpreting load tests on drilled shafts. In this study, the factors influencing the response of a drilled shaft to load are evaluated, and rational and consistent criteria are developed for the proper conduct and interpretation of load tests for the following loading modes: axial compression and uplift, lateral and moment, torsion, and combined loading. The items addressed include geotechnical characterization of the test site, load test planning and documentation, equipment and hardware, instrumentation, data recording and presentation, load testing procedures, and interpretation of test results. 563 refs., 146 figs., 68 tabs.