ABSTRACT
The prediction of the axial capacity of piles has been a challenge since the beginning of the geotechnical engineering profession. In recent years determining bearing capacity of piles from in-situ testing data as a complement of static and dynamic analysis has been used by geotechnical engineers. The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is still the most commonly used in-situ test and pile capacity determination by SPT is one of the earliest applications of this test. Standard Penetration Test (SPT)-based design methods for pile foundations have been little applied used in Kazakhstan practice. The local application has seldom been examined, particularly for the thick deposits, such as in the Esil River area. This paper examines the applicability of SPT-based method to deep clayey, sandy soils. Prior to the construction of engineering structures, site investigation is required in order to determine the suitability of the site for the intended structure. The results of the investigation furnish information on the engineering properties of earth materials and groundwater conditions of the site. During the field exploration phase, in situ engineering field tests are carried out. These include Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and Pressure Meter Tests (PMT). The hammer blow counts, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples collected during the test are processed and interpreted. The interpreted results are used to estimate the relative density, shear strength of soils and the bearing capacity. Based on these estimates, recommendations for foundation design and construction of civil engineering structures can be made.
