ABSTRACT
Databases containing pile information are widely used to assess the reliability of design and performance prediction methods. The DINGO database of test piles installed in UK soils contains over 500 records collected from both literature and industry sources. This chapter details the collation of the database and details on the distribution of the test piles and previous analyses that have been undertaken. In this work, the DINGO database is used to assess the reliability and usability of eight methods for interpreting the ultimate pile capacity from filed test load–settlement information. The methods include mathematical model approaches, graphical estimations, and settlement limits. Higher ultimate loads were interpreted using the Chin method while lower ultimate loads were calculated using the DeBeer method. Finally, the average factor of safety for the pile tests used in this study was calculated to be 2.63 across all eight methods, with 26.6 and 1.05 being maximum and minimum values, respectively.
