METHOD STATEMENT FOR STATIC AXIAL COMPRESSION PILE LOAD TEST

At
Dhaka-Bhanga Highway Road Project – (Contract Package No -13)

1. General

This method of statement describes the details of axial static pile load test in compression for the test pile.
The objective of this testing program is to:

 Estimation of carrying capacity of individual pile.

 Evaluation of settlement behavior.

The entire testing work shall be done in accordance with the ASTM standard practice by Kentledge method
using concrete block as counter weight and applying load onto the pile by a hydraulic jack (fitted with a single
pump and single pressure gauge) acting on pile against a Kentledge. Load shall be applied onto the pile as
maintained load (ML) test, while load will be applied incrementally and maintained for certain period as defined
by the code.

The test shall be carried out as per standard test method of ASTM designated as: ASTM D 1143 under title
Standard Method for Piles under Static Axial Compressive Load.

2. Poof Load

Proof load will be double of design load and will be applied onto the pile in increments and each increment will
be maintained for certain period as mentioned in ASTM D 1143.

3. Reaction System:

Kentledge

The reaction system called kentledge comprising of steel I-beams as spreader beam, main beam, rocker beam etc
and concrete block as counter weight. The Kentledge will be rested on two temporary concrete blocks wall on
two sides of the test pile.
4. Testing Equipment:

Following equipment will be used in the testing scheme:

Item Description Capacity Qty

Load application
Hydraulic ram Single acting ram model CSLS-80012 800Ton 2 nos
Pressure gauge Bourdon gauge 1000 kg/cm2 1 nos
Pressure pipe Armored hose 700 kg/cm2 2 nos
Hydraulic power pack
Piston pump Hydraulic power pack model SPE- 2251404 700 kg/cm2 1 nos
Standby – Single acting non-motorized 700 kg/cm2 1 nos
Settlement measurement
Dial gauge Accuracy: 0.01 mm, stroke:80 mm 4 nos
Magnetic base Std 4 nos
Reference beam H-beam 2 nos
Kentledge
Main reaction beam 1700 mm Plate girder 2 nos
Spreader beam 450 mm I-beam 25 nos
Rocker beam Composite 1 nos
Counter weight Concrete block
Cribbing Concrete block wall 2 set

The load on pile will be applied by using a hydraulic jack seated on bearing plate and a piston pump and
hydraulic power pack will be used to develop pressure. Fluid pressure developed in the hydraulic jack will be
monitored by a calibrated pressure gauge and load calculated by multiplying the fluid pressure by the cross
sectional area of the ram of the jack.

5. General Procedure

Piles head will be trimmed smooth, leveled and finished with rich cement mortar to set the bearing plate under
the hydraulic jack. Loading platform called Kentledge shall be prepared by using steel I-beams, sheets and
concrete blocks and concrete blocks will be made for Crib Wall. Dead weight of I- beams, plain sheets, and
concrete block are used for reaction of applied load. In addition to the weight of Kentledge about 10% of test
load shall be added with counter weight to avoid the tilting of Kentledge.
6. Measuring Settlement

The settlement of the pile will be measured upon application of load by micrometers of accuracy up to 0.01 mm
and stroke of 100 mm with respect to a horizontal reference beam fixed on the ground. The measured settlement
is the settlement of the butt of the pile.

7. Load Application:

Single cylinder single acting hydraulic jack with hydraulic power pack will be used to apply load onto the pile
head as specified. The jack will be placed on the top of the pile head to deliver an axial load to the test pile,
against the Kentledge. The complete system will be capable of transferring the maximum load required for the
test.

8. Measurement of Load:

A calibrated pressure gauge with jack will be measuring the pressure and corresponding load will be calculated.
Certificates of calibration shall be supplied to the Engineer.

9. Measuring Movement of Pile Heads:

Independent Reference frame:

Independent reference frame to be set up for measurement of the movement of the pile. The supports of the
reference beams will be founded into the ground at safe distance from test pile so that it is not disturbed by the
movement of test pile and crib wall as well

The measurement of pile movement will be measured by dial gauges attached with the pile diametrically
opposite positions and be equidistant from the pile axis. The dial gauges shall enable readings to be made to
within an accuracy of 0.01 mm.

10. Protection of Testing Equipment:

Throughout the test period all equipment for measuring load and movement will be protected from the weather
and any external interference. Construction equipment and persons who are not involved in the testing process
will be kept at a safe distance from the test to avoid disturbance to the measurement apparatus.

11. Supervision:
All works will be carried out under supervision of qualified, experienced and trained engineers and technicians.
List of the personnel will be submitted later before commencement of test.

During the progress of a test, the testing equipment and all records of the test as required shall be available for
inspection by the Engineer.
12. Safety

Entire testing area will be isolated by proper barrier so that entry of unwanted person and cattles can be stopped.
Sufficient measures will be taken to secure the Kentledge against tilting and failure. During night work
sufficient lighting will be arranged. All workers will use proper safety gears while present at work site.

13. Loading sequences.

Loading and unloading sequences and holding times are described in separate sheet and attached herewith.