Abstract: The load transfer mechanism in an axial loaded pile is studied through the static loading tests on instrumented piles. In the allowable axial capacity estimation formula, the allowable capacity is obtained by using the limiting values of shaft and tip resistance divided by an uniform factor of safety of 2. This approach is not consistent with the actual load transfer mechanism. The ideal pile allowable capacity should be obtained by the limiting values divided by different safety factors. However, at current stage, it is appropriate to use one comprehensive safety factor to obtain the allowable pile capacity since the load transfer mechanism between the pile shaft and the tip are not clear.

Key words: Pile Shaft Resistance, Pile Tip Resistance, Standard Capacity, Allowable Axial Capacity, Empirical Capacity Formulas