Use of the dynamic load test to obtain the pile capacity – the Brazilian experience

The dynamic load test is currently an important and usual tool for design, control, and quality assurance of deep foundations. The objective of this paper is to compare the expected geotechnical load capacity through empirical and semi-empirical Brazilian methods with the ultimate pile load obtained from the interpretation of Dynamic Load Tests (DLT; PDA). The stress-settlement curve was constructed from CAPWAP analysis with blows of different drop heights of increasing energy – test procedure proposed by Aoki (1989). Continuous flight augering (CFA) Franki and Root piles were evaluated in this study. These piles were tested in different cities in Brazil. Additionally, DLT results were compared with static load tests, and a good correlation was found with these field tests. The article aims to provide comparative background to guide foundation designers, as well as those who routinely develop these projects in Brazil.