International Research Journal of Education and Technology

The performance evaluation of pile foundations using an integrated approach of field testing and numerical simulation provides a reliable and comprehensive assessment of pile–soil interaction behavior. In this study, static load tests, dynamic load tests, and finite element numerical simulations using ANSYS were employed to investigate the load transfer mechanisms, settlement response, skin friction, and end-bearing behavior of piles. Static load test results clearly captured the load–settlement characteristics, showing an initial linear elastic response followed by nonlinear behavior due to soil yielding, enabling accurate determination of ultimate and allowable pile capacities. Dynamic load test results exhibited strong agreement with static test outcomes after appropriate signal matching and damping corrections, confirming their suitability for rapid and economical capacity evaluation and quality control. Numerical simulations successfully replicated field-observed behavior by incorporating soil nonlinearity, pile–soil interface properties, and realistic boundary conditions. The analysis demonstrated that shaft resistance was mobilized at relatively small settlements, while end-bearing resistance required larger displacements, consistent with both static and dynamic test observations. Quantitative comparison of skin friction and end-bearing capacities from field tests and numerical simulations showed close agreement, validating the adopted modeling approach. Overall, the combined methodology enhances confidence in pile design, reduces uncertainty, and supports optimized and economical foundation solutions by effectively integrating experimental data with advanced numerical analysis.

Keywords:- Pile foundations; Static load test; Dynamic load test; Skin friction; End bearing; Numerical simulation; Finite element analysis; Pile–soil interaction; ANSYS; Load–settlement behavior.