Abstract
In this study, the influence of rate of loading on uplift capacity of piles in clay is experimentally investigated. Uplift capacity tests were conducted under different loading rates using a model steel pile having an outside diameter of 30 mm. In addition, consolidated undrained triaxial tests were performed under the same loading rates used in the uplift capacity tests. Experimental results showed an increase in undrained shear strength of the tested soil with the increased rate of loading. Furthermore, the uplift capacity of the model pile was found to increase as the loading rate increased. The relationships between loading rate, and both the undrained shear strength and the uplift capacity can be represented by a straight line on a log-log plot. Theoretical bearing capacity was calculated based on the undrained shear strength measured in the triaxial tests and compared with the measured uplift capacity under the same loading rate.