Entered unit resistancesSingle-pile sensitivity
Pile Load
Calculator
Apply verified unit shaft and tip resistances to idealized cylindrical geometry.
No geotechnical resistance is derived
The worksheet only multiplies entered values. It does not calculate unit resistance from soil data or determine a pile design load.
Who it's for: geotechnical and structural engineers running a single-pile resistance sensitivity at construction documents, from already-verified unit resistances.
Total entered resistance ÷ divisor
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not pile adequacy
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Before you rely on this result
Have a geotechnical professional confirm the method, contributing geometry, unit resistances, units, installation condition, and divisor.
How to use this calculator
1
Obtain project unit resistances
Use the responsible geotechnical design and exact pile/installation conditions.
2
Enter contributing geometry
Use only shaft length and tip area applicable to the selected model.
3
Enter the project divisor
The worksheet does not select global or partial factors.
4
Complete pile-system design
Evaluate settlement, group behavior, downdrag, uplift, lateral and structural behavior, testing, and construction separately.
The formula
Shaft contribution = πDL × entered unit shaft resistance. Tip contribution = πD²/4 × entered unit tip resistance. Displayed sensitivity = sum ÷ entered divisor.
Worked example
Example
D 0.6 m, L 15 m, entered shaft 50 kPa, tip 4,000 kPa, and divisor 2.5 produce about 1,018 kN.
When this estimate will be off
- Single idealized cylindrical pile only.
- No soil resistance, neutral plane, group, settlement, downdrag, uplift, lateral, seismic, installation, structural, or load-test evaluation.
- The displayed value is not design resistance, allowable load, or approval.
Frequently asked questions
A common mistake: Single idealized cylindrical pile only.
No. It only combines entered unit resistances and idealized geometry for sensitivity or reconciliation.
Sources
- Project geotechnical report and selected design method — must establish unit resistances, factors, and applicability
This free Pile Load Calculator is built and maintained by DataDrivenAEC, using the relevant codes and standards. It does not substitute for professional judgment.