Application and Optimization of Self-Balancing Test Pile Method in Predicting the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Pile Foundations

Abstract

This study investigates the application and optimization of the self-balancing pile testing method as a means to accurately predict the ultimate bearing capacity of pile foundations. The advantages of the self-balanced pile testing method in deriving Q-S curves are examined through a comparative analysis with conventional static load testing. Field test data were employed to develop predictive models, including the gray prediction model, exponential curve model, and hyperbolic model, to estimate the vertical ultimate bearing capacity of single piles. Numerical simulations using ABAQUS were performed to assess the reliability of the proposed predictive models. The results indicate that predictions obtained from the exponential model and ABAQUS simulations exhibit strong agreement with standard reference values, highlighting their superior accuracy and practical applicability. Additionally, a comparative analysis of different predictive approaches is conducted, outlining their respective strengths and limitations to guide future engineering applications. This study provides a robust framework for predicting pile capacity, with potential extensions to dynamic and seismic load assessments in future research.

Keywords: Self-balanced pile testing, Ultimate bearing capacity, Q-S curve, Gray prediction model, Exponential curve model, Hyperbolic model, Numerical simulation