ABSTRACT
Predicting the axial load-displacement response of drilled shafts is in some cases as important as, or possibly more critical than, predicting the ultimate bearing capacity. Many methods are available for predicting the axial displacement of drilled shafts in rock. While the most reliable means for predicting the axial displacement of drilled shafts is probably to carry out an axial loading test of the prototype shaft (which will be discussed in Chapter 12), theoretical analyses may also be usefully employed. The main three theoretical methods used to predict the axial load-displacement response of drilled shafts in rock are the load-transfer (t-z) method, the continuum approach and the finite element method.
