ABSTRACT
After reviewing the complex and varied geology of France, the soil investigation commonly performed for pile projects is described. The types of piles and the execution methods used in the country are also given. The design rules for axially loaded piles, recommended by the French code for foundations ‘Fascicule 62-V (1993), based on Menard pressuremeter test (PMT) and on cone penetration test (CPT) results are presented in detail (including formulae and charts). The relevant factors of safety are given, both for ultimate and for serviceability states. The t-z method for obtaining the axial load-axial displacement behaviour of a pile, from PMT results, is described. Finally, the national practice for integrity testing and for load testing of piles is given.
