Approaches to estimate pile capacity

Short answer

Vertical load capacity is estimated by static (analytical) formulas using soil properties, dynamic formulae from driving data, in-situ SPT/CPT correlations, and pile load tests—the most reliable method.

What are the various approaches used to estimate the vertical load bearing capacity of a pile?

The vertical load capacity of a pile can be estimated by:

Static (analytical) methods: from soil properties using the formula $Q_u = Q_p + Q_s$ ( $\alpha$ -, $\beta$ - and $\lambda$ -methods, Meyerhof, Terzaghi).
Dynamic formulae: from the pile driving data (Engineering News, Hiley, Danish formulae) and the wave equation.
In-situ penetration tests: SPT and CPT correlations (Meyerhof).
Pile load test: direct test on a trial or working pile, the most reliable.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5

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Approaches to estimate pile capacity

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