Back analysis of O-cell pile load test using FEM

Abstract

A back analysis was carried out to evaluate the performance of Osterberg cell pile load test. The finite element code PLAXIS was used for the numerical simulation of the load-settlement responses and the load transfer characteristics of conventional static and Osterberg cell pile load tests. The comparison between the calculations and measured field data suggests that the Osterberg cell test can be a good substitute for the conventional pile load test. The differences in the load transfer characteristics between conventional static pile load test and Osterberg cell test result in a slightly higher ultimate capacity for the Osterberg cell test.