The effect of deep excavation on piles beneath the excavation bottom should not be ignored. Based on the verified finite element parameters of a project in Tianjin

load tests with sleeve and under excavation of piles with different lengths are analyzed. The characters of load transfer and settlement of piles designed by conventional pile load tests are analyzed in deep soft soil region. From the finite element analysis results

some conclusions are drawn as follows. The shaft resistance and tip resistance of piles beneath the excavation bottom are mobilized asynchronously. The tip resistance ratios are almost zero under working loads for piles longer than 40 m. The shaft resistance distributes in a ‘R’ pattern. There are even tensile forces in the lower part of piles under working loads. The friction on the lower part is negative for piles longer than 80 m. The settlement calculated considering shaft resistance distribution influenced by excavation is closer to observed data than that of Geddes solution.