Şahin Çaǧlar Tuna2025-10-062025207553092075-530910.3390/buildings15152723https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105013271471&doi=10.3390%2Fbuildings15152723&partnerID=40&md5=eb0634e882b7fbbbbcbd3aa39d786b57https://gcris.yasar.edu.tr/handle/123456789/7983This study presents a numerical and experimental evaluation of axial load transfer mechanisms in deep foundations constructed in stratified cohesive soils in İzmir Türkiye. A full-scale bi-directional static load test equipped with strain gauges was conducted on a barrette pile to investigate depth-dependent mobilization of shaft resistance. A finite element model was developed and calibrated using field-observed load–settlement and strain data to replicate the pile–soil interaction and deformation behavior. The analysis revealed a shaft-dominated load transfer behavior with progressive mobilization concentrated in intermediate-depth cohesive layers. Sensitivity analysis identified the undrained stiffness (E<inf>u</inf>) as the most influential parameter governing pile settlement. A strong polynomial correlation was established between calibrated E<inf>u</inf> values and SPT N<inf>60</inf> offering a practical tool for preliminary design. Additionally strain energy distribution was evaluated as a supplementary metric enhancing the interpretation of mobilization zones beyond conventional stress-based methods. The integrated approach provides valuable insights for performance-based foundation design in layered cohesive ground supporting the development of site-calibrated numerical models informed by full-scale testing data. © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.EnglishDeep Foundations, Finite Element Modeling, Load Transfer Mechanism, Performance-based Design, Soil Stiffness Correlation, Strain Energy Analysis, Axial Loads, Foundations, Load Testing, Sensitivity Analysis, Soil Testing, Soils, Stiffness, Structural Design, Deep Foundations, Element Models, Energy Analysis, Finite Element Modeling, Load Transfer Mechanism, Mobilisation, Performance Based Design, Soil Stiffness, Soil Stiffness Correlation, Strain Energy Analyze, Piles, Strain EnergyAxial loads, Foundations, Load testing, Sensitivity analysis, Soil testing, Soils, Stiffness, Structural design, Deep foundations, Element models, Energy analysis, Finite element modeling, Load transfer mechanism, Mobilisation, Performance based design, Soil stiffness, Soil stiffness correlation, Strain energy analyze, Piles, Strain energyArticle