Discussion of ‘Interpretation of augered cast in place pile capacity using static loading tests’ by A. W. Stuedlein*, S. C. Reddy and T. M. Evans, The Journal of the Deep Foundation Institute, 8(1), 2014

The authors have presented an interesting study on interpreting the results of static load tests on augered cast-in-place (ACIP) piles, including numerical evaluations of several load test interpretation criteria. Both warrant query and comment. The discussers have conducted some similar prior studies that can be used for comparison. This discussion first will compare the authors and discussers databases and then will focus on the initial response of the load-displacement curve, interpreted failure load, extrapolation of load test data, and recommendations on selection of methods. The focus will be on comparing the Davisson, slope tangent in compression, and L1–L2 methods.