Elaboração e dimensionamento de projeto de prova de carga estática em estaca escavada

Abstract

This study proposes the design and detailing of a static load test on a bored (augered) pile to be carried out at the Geotechnical Experimental Field of UTFPR – Toledo Campus, in western Paraná, a region characterized by predominantly clayey soils with a high fines content and high plasticity. The work encompasses the soil’s geotechnical characterization, selection of foundation type, and the design of the test pile, reaction system, reinforcement, and pile-cap block, using the strut-and-tie method. A bored pile 60 cm in diameter and 6.6 m in length was chosen for the test, together with four reaction piles, each 7 m long. Load-carrying capacity was assessed with the semi-empirical Décourt-Quaresma and Aoki-Velloso methods; the Décourt-Quaresma method, yielding an allowable load of 20 tf, was adopted for design the test, whereas the Aoki-Velloso method provided a more conservative value of 14 tf. The proposed procedure follows current technical standards, covering all steps required to ensure practical feasibility and structural safety. The study advances geotechnical research by identifying the semi-empirical method that best fits the region’s soil conditions and highlights the possibility of reducing the foundation design safety factor from 2.0 to 1.6 through the execution of a static load test, as stipulated by the applicable standard.