ABSTRACT
The bearing resistance of a pile is usually determined either by analytical or semi-empirical methods, or from the results of pile load tests. The ultimate axial load which can be supported by a pile is equal to the sum of the base resistance and shaft resistance. The base resistance is the product of the base area and the ultimate bearing capacity at base level, whereas the shaft resistance is the product of the perimeter area of the shaft and the shaft friction between the pile and the soil, i.e. the shearing resistance.
