Types of Piles Load Tests

Proof-test
pile is loaded to the ultimate design load
(allowable design load times the factor of
safety) and the deflection is measured at the
pile head
generally performed during installation
Load-deformation test
pile typically tested to failure, deformation (and
often stress) measured at several points along
the pile shaft and at the pile tip as well as at the
pile head
detailed load-deformation data obtained allows
more efficient design
usually performed during the design phase
Types of Piles Load Tests

static
load pile & measure deflection
dynamic

static pile capacities generally using

stress wave analyses of pile
deflection caused by dynamic loads
Static Pile Load Tests

Conventional
construction of reaction frame and incremental
loading of the pile, usually with a hydraulic jack
[Figure 1]

test load measured with load cells and pile

head deformation measured with strain gages
and surveying equipment
. Figure 1: typical setup for compressive testing
Figure 2: typical setup for uplift test
Static Pile Load Tests

Conventional

uplift and lateral load tests performed by

modifying reaction frame and loading
(jacking) direction
[Figures 2 and 3]

costly and time-consuming but generally

provide the most reliable performance
data because the loading method is
similar to service loading
Dynamic Load Tests

developed from research funded by the

Ohio Department of Transportation and
the Federal Highway Administration at the
Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland,
Ohio

using measurements of strain and

acceleration and the principles of wave
mechanics, dynamic test methods are
used to estimate static pile capacity,
inspect pile integrity, and evaluate pile
driving systems
Dynamic Load Tests

two types of dynamic pile testing:

large-strain and low-strain methods

low-strain methods are typically

performed using hand-held hammers that
measure pile top velocities and are used
mainly to inspect integrity and length of
concrete piles. Anomalies in the velocity
record are used to evaluate pile integrity.

low-strain methods to inspect pile

integrity are limited to depths of about 30
times the pile diameter
Dynamic Load Tests

Large-Strain Methods

Large-strain methods are used almost

exclusively for driven piles to evaluate the
driving system as well as for estimating
static axial pile capacity

Strain gauges and accelerometers are

installed near the top of the piles and
measurements are taken during pile
driving
Dynamic Load Tests
Large-Strain Methods

typically performed during the indicator

pile program

(The indicator pile program is a field test

of the selected driving hammer and
system to evaluate the driving criteria,
driveability, and production rate)
 Reflection coefficient:

R= A1/A0 = (Z2-Z1)/(Z2+Z1)

Z = ρV

Typical PDA
setup