Pile Load tests on piles are conducted on completion of 28 days after casting of piles. Two types of tests namely initial and routine tests, for each type of loading viz. vertical, horizontal (lateral) pull out, are performed on piles.

Initial Load Tests on Piles

This test is performed to confirm the design load calculations and to provide guidelines for setting up the limits of acceptance for routine tests. It also gives an idea of the suitability of the piling system. Initial Test on piles are to be carried out at one or more locations depending on the number of piles required. Load applied for the initial (cyclic) load test is 2.5 times the safe carrying capacity of the pile. Loading for Initial Tests is conducted as per Appendix ‘A’ Clause 6.3 of IS-2911 Part IV.

Routine Load Tests on Piles

Selection of piles for the Routine Test is done based on number of piles required subject to maximum of ½% of total number of piles required. The number of tests may be increased to 2% depending on the nature / type of structure. The test load applied is 1½ times the safe carrying capacity of the pile.
The Maintained load method as described in Clause 6.2 of IS-2911 (Part IV) – 1985 shall be followed for loading for the Routine Tests.
This test will be performed for the following purposes:
a) To ensure the safe load capacity of piles
b) Detection of any unusual performance contrary to the findings of the Initial Test.
The tests shall be performed at the cut-off level only. A detailed report for the test result is prepared.

Vertical Load Tests on Piles

This test will be carried out as stipulated in IS-2911 (Part IV) 1995.
Pile Head – The pile head shall be chipped off till sound concrete is met wherever applicable. The reinforcement shall be cut and head levelled with Plaster of Paris. A bearing plate with a hole shall be placed on the head for the jack to rest.
Reaction- Kentledge shall be suitably designed to get the desired reaction on the piles. Anchor piles (if required) shall be placed at a centre to centre distance of 3 times the pile diameter subject to a minimum distance of 2 M.
Settlement- 2 dial gauges for a single pile and 4 dial gauges for a group of piles with 0.01 mm sensitivity shall be used. They shall be positioned at equal distance around the piles on datum bars resting on immovable supports at a distance of 3D (min. of 1.5 m) where D is the diameter of pile or circumscribing circle for non-circular piles.

Application of load- It shall be applied as specified depending on the type of test (routine / initial). Each load shall be maintained till the rate of displacement of the pile top is either 0.1 mm in the first 30 minutes or 0.2 mm in the first one hour or 2 hours whichever occurs first. The next increment in the load shall be applied on achieving the aforesaid criterion.
The test load shall be maintained for 24hrs