Lateral Pile Load Test

lateral load test is usually conducted in order to estimate the lateral capacity of a pile. Piles are generally used to transmit vertical loads to the surrounding soil. However, they are also sometimes subject to lateral loads due to wind pressure, water pressure, earth pressure, earthquakes, etc… When the horizontal component of the load is small in comparison to the vertical load, it is generally assumed to be carried by vertical piles and no special provision for lateral load is made. Piles that are used under tall chimneys, towers, high rise buildings, high retaining walls, bridges & other concrete elevated structures are normally subjected to high lateral loads. These piles should resist not only to vertical loads but also to lateral loads. The interpretation of the test measures:

– Efficiency of the pile loads
– Lateral soil stiffness
– Lateral pile response
– Pile deflection and soil response
– Ultimate lateral resistance