End bearing capacity of embedded pile with inclined base plate: Field dynamic and static tests

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of incorporating inclined base plates on the end bearing capacities of embedded piles by conducting dynamic pile tests and static load tests. Two types of embedded piles were prepared – conventional piles with a 50-cm-diameter flat base plate and piles with a 56-cm-diameter inclined base plate. The dynamic pile tests were conducted during pile construction, and the static load tests were conducted after curing the cement paste to investigate the end bearing capacities of the test piles. Test results indicate that the base resistances of piles with inclined base plates are greater than those of conventional piles and that the base resistances increase with an increase in the inclination angle. The increased projected area, increased contact area, extended rupture surface, and enhanced slime discharge due to the inclined base plate may result in an increase in the end bearing capacity of the pile. This study demonstrates that the end bearing capacities of the embedded piles may be maximized by incorporating inclined plates to the pile base. Thus, the pile with the inclined base plate may be effectively used for the construction of embedded piles.