Identification of suitable methods for static pile load capacity and recommendation for BNBC 2020

Abstract This research compares theoretical methods with static pile load test results to identify the most effective approaches for determining pile capacity across various soil and pile types, while also proposing modifications to the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020 guidelines. The study involved broad data collection from pile load test reports and subsoil investigations across six projects, focusing precast and cast-in-situ piles. Theoretical analyses were performed using i) bearing capacity equations as per BNBC 2020 (α-method and β-method), ii) Standard Penetration Test (SPT)-based BNBC 2020 method, and iii) SPT-based other methods from literature including Meyerhof, and Shioi Fukui equations. Following ASTM D1143 guidelines, eight evaluation methods were used to interpret load-settlement data from static load test. Statistical analyses involving Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Bias Factor (λ), and Coefficient of Variation (COV) were conducted to evaluate predictive accuracy. Findings indicate that for clay soil, the SPT-based equations of Shioi & Fukui for skin friction and Meyerhof for end bearing can be considered as suitable alternatives for future BNBC revisions, showing lower variation with actual capacity. For sandy, silty, and layered soil devoid of clay, the SPT-based equations from BNBC 2020 are deemed appropriate.