Influence of loading rate on the capacity of a model pile in clay

Loading tests were carried out on a model pile embedded in clay to examine the influence of rate of loading on the capacity of the pile. The pile was loaded to failure using constant rate of penetration (CRP), quick maintained loading (QML), and quick continuous loading (QCL) methods of loading. The QCL test models the Statnamic loading test, which has been recently developed in Canada. The CRP tests were used as a reference, and the results were normalized using the CRP test results. The durations of the QML and QCL tests varied from approximately 0.1 s to 17 min, which are significantly faster than normal loading rates. Applied loads and point load were measured using load cells, and top displacement was measured using a displacement transducer. The test results showed an increase in pile capacity with increased rate of loading. Damping was found to be significant for the QCL tests (duration = 0.1 s) and negligible for the QML tests (duration ≥ 10 s). Correcting the results of the QCL tests for damping, using the equilibrium point method developed for Statnamic testing, greatly improved the correlation of the QCL and QML test results.