The aim of this study was to propose a method for estimating the load-settlement curve and the load capacity of timber piles, through the adjustment of nonlinear regression equations, using the modified Gauss Newton method. Experimental data were used for twelve timber piles, including load-settlement curves during spiking, and load capacity determined at the dynamic load testing using a theoretical model. In the research (a pioneering study in Brazil) we have analyzed the behavior of timber piles immersed in the ground, during spiking. The average means for absolute percentage error were 4.0% and 29.3%, which were obtained from adjusted nonlinear equations through the modified Gauss Newton method and the method proposed by Van Der Veen, respectively. The conclusion was made that equations adjusted through the modified Gauss Newton method led to greater estimative accuracy, showing good concordance with the experimental data obtained from dynamic load testing, which indicates its use in the estimation of load-settlement curve and load capacity of timber piles.
Timber piles; Nonlinear regression; Gauss Newton method
