Tests are carried out at various stage of the project:

• Prior to start the piling work, a preliminary test pile can be carried out to prove the design. This test is usually performed at a load of 2 to 2.5 times the safe working load of the pile.
• After the completion of the work and during the piling works, the capacities of the piles have to be proven by working tests, which are done at 1.5 times the safe working capacity of the pile.

There are different methods for the pile testing. Each of them depends on the area available to carry out the tests, the test load, and also the timing allowed for the testing process.

Commonly used are the 3 following methods:

• Kentledge system: concrete blocks are used to create the reaction massif. This test required a large space on site around the pile and is limited to a maximum of 1000/1500T.
• Reaction system: sacrificial tension piles or anchors are installed and designed to act as the reaction system.
• Osterberg Cells: this test includes the installation of sacrificial jacks fitted inside the cage reinforcement at a strategic level. After concreting of the pile and the setting up period, the jacks will be opened and both settlements, above and below the jacks, will be measured and monitored.