B.E.S.T. The Bolivian Experimental Site for Testing Piles


The Bolivian Experimental Site for Testing Piles (B.E.S.T.) is situated 24 kilometers North-east of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), Technical Committee 212, “Deep Foundations” decided to instigate an experimental site in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. The purpose of the study is to provide results from full-scale loading tests on piles and a pile group.



The B.E.S.T. TEAM: Joram Amir, Erez Amir, Alessandro Mandolini, Mario Terceros Jnr. and Bengt H. Fellenius (Master of Ceremonies)




Extensive geotechnical and geophysical investigations have been performed to determine a variety of geotechnical parameters. The results of the field investigations are made available to those interested in participating in the pile prediction event.

At the third day of the conference, the results and interpretation of the geotechnical and geophysical investigations have been presented. The highlight of the day is the presentation of the full-scale loading tests on single piles and a pile group (piled raft) and the comparison with predictions made by experts prior to the conference.

Download ISSMGE TC212 BEST announcement (pdf)

Updated 05/01/2018