Pile Cyclic Load Test
(Cyclic Loading Method)

Static vertical load test conducted using cyclic loading method — applying and removing load in cycles to separate elastic and plastic settlements and determine pile stiffness characteristics.

Overview

What is the Pile Cyclic Load Test?

The Pile Vertical Load Test by Cyclic Method involves applying load in cycles — loading and unloading the pile in increments to measure both elastic (recoverable) and plastic (permanent) settlement at each cycle. This provides detailed information on pile stiffness, load transfer mechanism and creep behaviour.

Conducted as per IS 2911 Part 4, the cyclic method is particularly valuable for piles in soft soils, piles subject to repeated loading (bridges, railway foundations) and for separating end-bearing from skin friction capacity. Global Lab uses NABL-calibrated load cells and precision LVDTs for accurate cyclic load measurement.

Elastic-Plastic Settlement Separation

Distinguishes recoverable elastic settlement from permanent plastic settlement at each load level.

Pile Stiffness Determination

Cyclic loading provides accurate pile head stiffness values for dynamic analysis.

Skin Friction vs End Bearing

Cyclic behaviour helps separate skin friction and end bearing contributions.

Creep Assessment

Extended hold periods at each cycle assess time-dependent settlement (creep).

NABL Certified Reports

All results issued on NABL-accredited letterhead per IS 2911 Part 4.

Critical for Soft Soils

Essential for piles in soft clay, loose sand or compressible fill where cyclic degradation occurs.

Test in Action

Pile Cyclic Load Test — Site Images

Cyclic Load Test Setup on Site

LVDT Settlement Measurement System

Load-Settlement Loop Diagram

Test Procedure

How the Pile Cyclic Load Test is Conducted

1

Test Setup

Reaction system (kentledge or anchor piles), reference beams and instruments (load cell, LVDTs) are installed per IS 2911 Part 4.
2

First Loading Cycle

Load is applied to 100% of design load in increments. Settlement recorded after stabilisation at each increment.
3

First Unloading Cycle

Load is removed in decrements. Elastic rebound (recovery) is recorded at each decrement.
4

Subsequent Load Cycles

Load is applied to 150% and 200% of design load in subsequent cycles with full unloading between cycles.
5

Analysis & Reporting

Load-settlement loops are plotted for each cycle. Elastic/plastic components, pile stiffness and failure load determined. NABL report issued within 7 days.

Standards & Specifications

Applicable Test Standards

Standard	Title	Scope	Type
IS 2911 Part 4	Code of Practice for Design and Construction of Pile Foundations — Load Test on Piles	Cyclic Load Test	Indian Standard
ASTM D1143	Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under Static Axial Compressive Load	Compression Test	ASTM
BS EN ISO 22477-1	Geotechnical Investigation — Testing of Geotechnical Structures	Foundation Testing	European Standard
IRC 78	Standard Specifications for Road Bridges — Foundations and Substructure	Bridge Foundations	IRC

Applications

Where is the CAPO Test Used?

Railway and metro viaduct pile foundations subject to repeated train loading

Bridge pier foundations subject to cyclic traffic and dynamic loading

Piles in soft marine clay where cyclic degradation is a concern

High-rise building foundations requiring detailed stiffness characterisation

Offshore and port structures subject to wave and berthing loads

Research and calibration of numerical pile models

Why Choose Global Lab

Our Advantages

NABL Accredited ReportsLegally valid certificates for all government, contractual and statutory requirements.

Precision LVDT MeasurementSettlement measured to 0.001mm accuracy using NABL-calibrated LVDTs.

Autovity Digital ReportsAccess load-settlement loop diagrams and test data digitally.

Experienced Foundation TeamSpecialists in cyclic pile testing for railway, metro and bridge projects.

Pan-India CoverageTeams across 7 lab locations for rapid mobilisation to any project site.

Full Foundation Test PackagesCyclic + Static + Dynamic + Integrity tests available as a complete package.

Pile Cyclic Load Test(Cyclic Loading Method)