Pile foundations shall be designed in such a way that the load from the structure can be transmitted to the sub-surface. There are two types of tests, namely, initial and routine tests for each type (mode) of loading (that is, vertical, lateral, and pull-out).
Initial Test
A test intended to be conducted on the initial test pile at the initial stage of the project to determine the load-carrying capacity of the pile by loading either to its ultimate load or to two and half times the estimated safe load whichever occurs earlier. One or more piles, which are not working for piles, may be installed to assess the load-carrying capacity of a pile.
Routine Test
It is carried out on a working pile with a view to checking whether the pile is capable of taking the working load assigned to it without exceeding permissible settlement.
