Influence of loading rate on the bearing capacity of piles in sand

Laboratory experiments have been performed to study the rate effect on sandy soil in order to improve the application of quasi-static pile load tests. Firstly, remolded Itter-beck sand specimens are statically and dynamically tested in hydraulic triaxial apparatus. The rate effect on stress - strain behavior and strength of the sand are examined. Secondly, model piles (scale 1:10) are tested in a large calibrated sand chamber with several loading rates. The rate effect on point resistance and shaft resistance of the model pile is point out. Both tests will be performed in dry and saturated soil condition but, up to now, only the tests on dry condition were done at this moment. Results from triaxial tests clearly show the rate effect on shear strength parameter and slightly on the stress - strain behavior of the sand. The magnitude of rate effect depends on the relative density of sand specimen. Results from model pile tests show slight rate effect on the pile resistance