Research on the conversion of self-anchoring test data to static loading test data

Self-anchoring testing is a new method for testing the bearing capacity of pile foundations. This study compares the results of a self-anchoring test to that of an existing method, static loading testing, by examining the variation rules for the axial force, lateral resistance and Q–s curve of pile foundations using a model test. A non-linear fitting analysis of the pile–soil load transfer during a self-anchoring test was performed using the measured test data, and a new mathematical expression for the pile–soil load transfer was proposed. By drawing on the relationship between the pile body deformation energy and the external force, an energy calculation method was introduced as part of the numerical calculations for the self-anchoring test. By determining the difference in the pile body energy, a calculation method for pile behaviour was established to realise the conversion of self-anchoring test data to static loading test data. The results of an engineering example using the proposed calculation method were found to be basically consistent with the measured data. Therefore, the calculation method was shown to enable the conversion of results from a self-anchoring test to a static loading test.