Bi-directional static load testing for piles has been around for long time. However, the loading mechanism is different from the conventional pile loading testing method, many practicing engineers have concern over its concern of the pile top settlement. Its proponents believe it is safer, easier, and capable of achieving higher loads than traditional top-loading methods. The traditional methods including the kentledge have constraints of performing higher loads, which may lead to fatal accidents. India has seen a lot of development in the field of infrastructure in the recent past and strive to build the biggest, the largest viz. cable stayed bridges, with speed and skills, and at the same time without compromising on the quality. For ensuring the quality of the foundations of such massive structures, Bi-Directional static load testing is coming into spotlight. Famous Aerospace Engineer Wernher von Braun quoted “one good test is worth a thousand expert opinion.” Geotechnical Engineering and foundation design is no exception.
This paper throws light on one of the bridge projects in India, where the Bi-Directional Load cell is used for the load testing for bridge where pile foundation is being carried out. This paper provides the details of the geological conditions of the project area and depicts the load mobilization details i.e., about the skin friction mobilization along the pile shaft and concludes that soil has much higher capacity in comparison to theoretical capacity being considered in the international practices. The focus of the paper is to emphasize that with the advancement in the construction methodology, and enhancement in the foundation testing methodology, the limitations imposed on these pile capacity components also should be re-assessed.

Bi-Directional Static loading, load cell