In the testing of pile foundation bearing capacity of high pile wharf,the traditional static load test can not be implemented due to the limitations of offshore site conditions.However,the self-balancing pile test method is gradually popularized and applied because of its advantages such as simple test device,large tonnage loading,inclined pile detection and strong site adaptability.Based on the application example of the self-balancing pile test method in a high pile wharf in Shenzhen,this paper analyzes and summarizes the advantages and main problems of the self-balancing pile test method,and puts forward understanding,thinking and application suggestions for the problems.It points out that the connection between the load cell and the upper and lower piles,as well as the treatment of the jacked gap are the key to the application of self-balancing method in engineering piles.The self-balancing pile test method can be applied to engineering piles when the upper section piles still meet the uplift bearing capacity after the load cell is buried.For non-engineering piles,self-balancing test pile method has wide adaptability.