Influence of the time after construction on static load testing of pre-cast driven-in piles

After the foundation piles have been installed in the ground, the increase of their load capacity may be observed. It occurs due to the dissipation of groundwater pore pressures (reconsolidation of the soil) and the reestablishment of internal bindings around the pile. Hence, the standards and regulations recommend that the pile load capacity tests should be carried out from several days to several dozen days after the piles have been constructed. The article presents the results of capacity tests performed before the standard-conditioned time limit, with reference to the soil types. The subject has been exemplified on the basis of foundation work during making several roads in Poland since 2004.