Foundations · Pile testing & NDT

Static pile load test (Davisson) calculator

Load–settlement curve with the elastic line and Davisson offset to find the failure load.

Standard: Davisson (1972) offset limit · AS 2159 Section 8

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Inputs in the worked example

The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.

InputValueUnit
Pile length18m
Pile diameter / width450mm
Pile modulus32000MPa
Pile area (0 = circle from D)0mm²
Load (kN), settlement (mm)0, 0 500, 2.1 1000, 4.6 1500, 7.5 2000, 11.0 2400, 15.5 2700, 21.0 2900, 28.0

Worked example — results

ResultValueUnit
Elastic compression PL/AE3.537mm per 1000 kN
Offset 4 + D/1207.75mm
Davisson limit load2,450kN
Settlement at limit16.4mm
05001e32e32e33e33e30510152025load (kN)settlement (mm)Qd 2,450
Diagram for the worked example

Method, formulas and assumptions

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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.