Study of compressive loading capacities of helical piles using torque method and induced settlements

摘要

Torque is a most widely used method to estimate the load capacities of helical piles because of its simplicity and minimal costs. This research attempts to investigate the torque method by incorporating settlements and involves its comparison with bearing equations which have also been used to estimate the capacities of helical piles. The test program consisted of installation of seven helical piles including a static axial compression test to estimate the corresponding settlements. The compression test was conducted on the seventh pile which is referred to as the test pile. The load movement curve of the test pile is used to predict the settlement of each pile corresponding to the ultimate load calculated using torque method. In addition, few methods to interpret the load movement curve have been discussed. This research would pave way to yield more reliable results using torque method and could lead to the large-scale usage of helical piles.