ABSTRACT: Pile foundations constructed in expansive soils are often subjected to significant variations in load-transfer behavior due to seasonal wetting and drying cycles. These moisture-induced changes alter soil suction, strength, stiffness, and pile–soil interaction characteristics, thereby affecting pile performance and long-term foundation stability. Dynamic and Rapid Load Testing methods, particularly StatRapid testing, have emerged as efficient alternatives to conventional static load testing for evaluating pile capacity and behavior. This study investigates the influence of seasonal wetting-drying cycles on StatRapid load testing profiles of piles embedded in expansive soils. Laboratory and field-based analyses were conducted to evaluate changes in pile resistance, settlement behavior, shaft friction, and end-bearing capacity under varying moisture conditions. The results indicate that wetting cycles significantly reduce pile capacity due to loss of matric suction and softening of the surrounding soil, whereas drying cycles increase apparent pile resistance due to soil shrinkage and increased suction. StatRapid testing successfully captured these variations and provided reliable estimates of pile performance. The study highlights the applicability of StatRapid testing as a rapid and cost-effective tool for assessing pile foundations in expansive soil environments and contributes to improved foundation design practices in regions affected by seasonal climatic variations.

KEYWORDS: StatRapid Testing, Dynamic Load Testing, Expansive Soil, Pile Foundations, Wetting-Drying Cycles, Pile Capacity, Foundation Engineering.

DYNAMIC AND RAPID LOAD TESTING (STATRAPID) PROFILES FOR PILES IN EXPANSIVE SOILS SUBJECTED TO SEASONAL WETTING-DRYING CYCLES.

K. VENKATA NAGA LAXMA NAIK
PROF. CH. SUDHARANI.