Pile bearing capacity determination by high-strain stress wave methods

The development of the methods for pile static bearing capacity determination from dynamic pile tests is reviewed in this paper. Main equations of the two methods for the determination of pile static bearing capacity are then presented. The two methods are a closed-form traveling wave equation method (CASE method) and a back-analysis traveling wave equation method. Main features of the two methods are discussed. The state-of-the-art RSM instrument and software developed at the Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences for dynamic pile testing is briefly described. The original data from high-strain dynamic pile tests at three sites in China obtained using the RSM instrument and another instrument are presented, compared and discussed. The advantages and limitations of the testing methods are pointed out. Issues for further research in this subject area are identified.