One area of work we are frequently involved in is data analysis and evaluation of lateral load tests performed by the Statnamic testing device (learn more at the website of Applied Foundation Testing). The mathematics involved in the data reduction can be quite formidable as you interpret the dynamic load-response to an equivalent static load-response. Regardless of the math behind it, watching a test can be pretty cool. It is a whole lot of work for a brief moment of load, but in some situations it can be more economical than a traditional load test.
The video below is from a test on 170-foot long, 32-inch outside diameter steel pipe pile with 0.75"-inch wall thickness. The pile was filled with concrete that included an instrumented rebar cage.
Enjoy!