Factors that influence axial capacity of piles in sands such as soil parameters, pile parameters, loading effects and installation effects are listed. Physical phenomena such as grain crushing, pile shaking, stress-redistribution and plugging which all influence pile capacity are also examined. To better understand the method of prediction, each parameter and the associated uncertainty is revisited. It is evident that these factors are inter-related and sometimes compensating. This discussion also draws attention to the influence that pile installation procedures can have on pile capacities and highlights the need for field experience with various pile installation procedures for designers. In summary, while the various available methods of pile capacity prediction are deceptively simple to use, the associated uncertainty of each method cannot be ignored. The possible savings generated by an improved method are too substantial to ignore.
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