Behaviors of red medium-weathered sandstone in Wuchang and determination of bearing capacity of the piles embedded in it

The characteristic values of bearing capacity of the medium-weathered red sandstones in Wuchang were evaluated and determined by the comparison among the data from unconfined compression tests,compression tests of rock core,static load tests as well as site investigation.For two expanded-base piles with expanded-base embedded in this kind of rock,static pile load tests were carried out to explore load-settlement relationship.After summarizing plenty of test data,and particularly assessing settlement behaviors of the weathered rock,some valuable data were proposed.The requirements proposed in a technical code were found to be very conservative and some recommendations were given to modify them.