Dr. Celso Gontijo
Chairman of the Board
Former president of ABMS (Brazilian Association for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
70 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1404864105
Foundation testingStatic Load Testing
Static Load Testing
(SLT) in tension
Verification of the tensile load capacity of piles, anchors and helical anchors.
The static tensile load test is a geotechnical test that Geoteste performs worldwide to prove the resistance of foundation elements subjected to pull-out forces.
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What it is
Static Load Testing (SLT) in tension
The test verifies the tensile load capacity of foundation structures, piles, single-bar anchors and helical anchors that must resist pull-out forces.
Essentially, the test consists of the programmed application of increasing tensile loads according to the design. Generally, loading proceeds in stages until reaching twice the working load, as recommended by NBR 16903:2020. During this process, at each new load stage, we precisely measure the structure's displacements using properly calibrated dial gauges.
How we perform
Static tension load test procedure
Tension load testing follows a rigorous procedure to ensure reliable results. Although every project has its own requirements, the main steps are as follows.
- 1
Reaction system
Assembly of a robust structure, usually steel beams, capable of resisting the applied loads without deformations that could affect the results.
- 2
Instrument installation
Dial gauges or transducers positioned at the top of the foundation element, with an initial zero reference reading.
- 3
Loading stages
Slow and controlled application of the tensile load by the hydraulic jack, in increments of approximately 25% of the working load.
- 4
Monitoring and stabilization
Readings at predetermined intervals until displacement stabilizes, before each new load increment.
- 5
Unloading
Unloading in stages to assess the foundation's elastic response and any permanent displacements.
Sectors we serve
Applications and importance of tensile load tests
This test is fundamental for projects with structures subjected to uplift or overturning forces. Its most common applications include foundations for large roofs, hangars, structures with hydrostatic uplift, and foundation elements requiring proof of pull-out resistance.
Real estate
Mining
Energy
Industrial
Infrastructure
Sanitation
Logistics
Oil and gas
Agribusiness
Delivered results
Tension load test results
Load x displacement curve
Pile or anchor load capacity
Settlement at the working load
Pile foundation safety factor
All results are compiled in a detailed technical report signed by a specialist engineer, including the load versus displacement curve, load capacity calculations and interpretation by our engineering team.
Why perform this test
Static load test characteristics
Safe
Allows verification of the load versus deformation curve at the design load.
Standardized
For projects with more than 100 piles, load tests are required under the applicable Brazilian criteria.
Reliable
The results provide evidence for assessing the safety of the project's foundation.
Reference standards for static load testing
- ABNT NBR 16903:2020, Static load testing on deep foundations, the test method that superseded NBR 12131
- ABNT NBR 6122:2019 (Emenda 1:2022), Foundation design and construction
- ABNT NBR 5629:2018, Execution of tiebacks anchored in the ground
Excellence built by the largest technical team in the sector
A team of highly qualified engineers and specialists, prepared to develop safe and efficient solutions for the most diverse geotechnical challenges.
José Hermes
Geotechnical civil engineer
Board member of CREA-MG (regional engineering regulatory body in Brazil)
40 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1405047593
Alexandre Gontijo
Technical Director
Geotechnical civil engineer
30 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1404815503
Rodrigo Gontijo
Executive Director
Geotechnical civil engineer
26 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1416959840
Maria T. Mota
Geotechnical civil engineer
11 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1417059923
Diogo Bechler
Geotechnical civil engineer
10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1416378065
Filipe Almeida
Business and Operations Manager
Geotechnical civil engineer
3 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA - 1423584910
Tatiana Baptista
Commercial Manager
Geotechnical civil engineer
9 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
Marlon Nocci
Geotechnical civil engineer
5 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1420099566
Samuel Werner
Geotechnical civil engineer
6 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1423765745
Aline Nonato
Geotechnical civil engineer
6 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1421107996
Paulo Ricardo Parreiras
Geotechnical civil engineer
7 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1418234362
Tiago Fernandes
Geotechnical civil engineer
2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1422269183
Amanda Bastos
Geotechnical civil engineer
1 year of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1423530080
Danilo Milard
Geotechnical civil engineer
6 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1422452557
Amanda Nava
Geotechnical civil engineer
3 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1421602407
Ana Flávia Castro
Geotechnical civil engineer
2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1422908925
Victória Corcini
Geotechnical civil engineer
2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
Pedro Neves
Geotechnical civil engineer
2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
Sabrina Mendes
Geotechnical civil engineer
1 year of experience in geotechnical engineering
Why Geoteste
Differentiators that generate trust
We combine decades of experience, a qualified team, and in-house technology to deliver tests with technical rigor.
Worldwide Coverage
Mobilization of our teams and equipment for projects worldwide.
In-house equipment
Cutting-edge technology and rigorous maintenance.
Specialized team
Engineers with extensive experience.
Operational Agility
Efficient planning and fast responses.
Consulting engineering
Customized technical solutions.
Reports with professional accountability
ART and compliance with technical standards.
Your foundation cannot
depend on assumptions.
Rely on those who understand the subject.
Talk to a specialist now and request a customized technical proposal for your project.
Talk to an engineer- (11) 93739-0005
- contato@geoteste.com
- Worldwide Coverage