A bearing pile is chosen when the load capability depends on which of the following factors?

A bearing pile is primarily chosen based on the bearing force of the material into which it is driven. This force determines how much load the pile can support by transferring the load from the structure above it into the underlying soil or rock. The effectiveness of a bearing pile relies on the ability of the surrounding soil or rock to bear the load without yielding or undergoing excessive settlement.

When evaluating the load capacity of a bearing pile, engineers assess the properties of the material below, such as its density, cohesion, and shear strength. These factors are critical because they directly influence the pile's ability to resist vertical and lateral forces applied by structures.

In contrast, the weight of the pile, its length, and the type of concrete used might influence certain aspects of the pile's performance or its ability to be installed, but they are not the primary determinants of the load-bearing capacity. It is ultimately the interaction between the pile and the supporting material that is critical for load-bearing scenarios, making the bearing force of the material the most relevant factor in this context.