Which type of testing evaluates the load-bearing capacity of a drilled shaft?

The load test is specifically designed to evaluate the load-bearing capacity of a drilled shaft. This testing method involves applying a load to the shaft and monitoring its behavior under that load, allowing engineers to assess how much weight the shaft can support before failure. Load tests can provide critical data that informs design decisions and ensures structural safety.

In contrast, other testing methods serve different purposes. The compression test measures the material's ability to withstand axial loads without failing, but it is not specific to drilled shafts. The shear test assesses the material's resistance to shear forces, which also does not directly determine the load-bearing capacity of a drilled shaft. The tensile strength test evaluates how much tension a material can withstand before breaking, but again, it does not focus on the specific performance of drilled shafts under loading conditions. Each of these methods can be important in their own contexts, but the load test directly addresses the evaluation of a drilled shaft's capacity to bear loads effectively.