A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering of the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology,1978

The current knowledge on the subject is reviewed. When the use of pile foundation is decided it is important to select a suitable pile type. The design of the pile length and size depends on a collection of the information available including the soil investigation relevant to the particular site. The use of static formulae to estimate the long-term bearing capacity of pile is better achieved by effective stress analysis rather than the undrained shear strength correlation. The estimation of ultimate bearing capacity by quasi-static penetrometer is fast economical and within reasonable accuracy. The best method of determining the bearing capacity and settlement of pile is by load test. The QML test and CRP test may be used for routine tests. The method of interpreting the failure load from load test data without considering the elastic shortening of long pile is inaccurate and conservatives. In the sequence of pile design settlement is the controlling factor instead of bearing capacity. The elastic solutions for pile settlement will not be confidently used in the near future.