Final answer:
A compression test is used to determine the load-bearing capacity of a concrete pile from a waterfront pier, as concrete has high compressive strength but low shear moduli.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the load-bearing capacity of a concrete pile from a waterfront pier, a compression test would be used. This test assesses how well the concrete can withstand compressive forces, which is a primary concern for the structural integrity of pillars and supports used in building construction. Tension and compression are two types of stress that give rise to changes in an object's length; these are described in terms of tensile stress or compressive stress, respectively. In the case of a concrete pile, it would be subjected to compression rather than tension, shear, or an evaluation of its elastic modulus under a load.
Concrete is known to have high compressive strength, being able to support substantial loads when force is applied axially through structures such as pillars and arches. However, concrete tends to have low shear moduli, making it weaker in response to sideways shear forces that could occur during events like earthquakes or under heavy loads. Furthermore, the elastic modulus, specifically Young's modulus, relates to tensile or compressive stress and strain, describing the linear relationship between these when a material is deformed elastically.
Given this information, when a concrete pile is extracted to be tested for its structural capacity, a compression test is the most relevant. This test would apply a compressive force to the pile to see at what point it fails or deform beyond acceptable limits. The results of this test provide crucial data to engineers who are responsible for calculating the safety and durability of structures built with concrete piles.