Pile 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… 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 the following:

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

Test Procedure:

The initial lateral load test for piles shall be conducted after 28 days of lateral load test pile casting by obtaining a reaction from the concrete blocks or adjacent piles. Sufficient working space should be provided for safety and other arrangements for testing. A horizontal support beam or truss should be fabricated to receive its lateral test load through a horizontal loading platform firmly placed over the compacted ground or adjacent pile.