METHOD STATEMENT

FOR
STATNAMIC LOAD
 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

1.0 Introduction

The arrival of Statnamic Load Test in Malaysia in the nineties demonstrated its main advantage
of being a fast and cost-effective substitute but more importantly, its long loading duration makes
the direct measurements of loads versus settlements possible and therefore the interpretation of
the test results become considerably. Since its first test in Malaysia in 1994, Statnamic has
been gaining grounds locally as a substitute or alternative method for the conventional
maintain load test. Sixteen years have passed now and over 1000 tests have been
performed already to date. It is a practice for most engineers to conduct load test as a
quality control measure. Often, where time and space constraint are obstacles, alternative
testing methods is required. Statnamic and Dynamic tests are alternatives to conventional
Static test. Both of these methods have their advantages which can suit certain projects.
Thus, engineers always have options when the need load testing their piles arise.

Statnamic Test on Land

2.0 Purpose

This proposal will describe Statnamic Load Test which will be used to substitute the
conventional Static tests in this project. Installation of foundation piles over water and to
carry out conventional static test on the piles installed is obviously a big hassle and time
consuming. Thus, substituting the static test with Statnamic test will be a bold solution to
save cost and time.

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

3.0 Statnamic Load Test

Statnamic load testing was perceived in 1987, and developed into an alternative method
for pile load test in 1988 by Patrick D. Berminghammer. As in 2004, Statnamic Load
Test method has been used in several countries, including Canada, USA, The
Netherlands, Malaysia, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, Taiwan and Korea.

The main principle of Statnamic load testing is based on launching reaction masses from
a pile top by releasing high pressure gases from a cylinder. The reaction force required to
launch the reaction masses upward acts equally downward on the pile, and drives the pile
into the ground. The high pressure gasses are produced by the burning solid fuel within
the cylinder assembly. Using Newton's second law of acceleration, the reaction masses
are accelerated upward at 20g where a force acts downwards onto the pile will be 20
times the reaction masses weight. Thus, only 5% of the required test load is required for
the reaction masses assembly. Loading of the pile is monitored using a calibrated load
cell and displacement is monitored using a photo voltaic cell laser sensor. All the data
recorded are digitised and stored in a portable computer connected to the assembly as
shown in Fig. 1.

Statnamic Schematic
Gravel
Container
Gravel container
Gravel
ReactionGravel
masses
Silencer
Cylinder
Platform
Masses
Laser sensor
Laser
Laser beam Laser

Piston
Load cell
Pile to be tested
Pile

Figure 1 : Statnamic Schematic

The duration of a Statnamic load testing is in the order of 120 to 150 millisecond. This
produces a dynamic load on the pile top which is enough to allow the pile react as a rigid

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

body without the influence of stress wave propagation within the pile. The soil is in turn
loaded with minimum inertial effects and damping. However, in highly viscoelastic
soils, some rate effects are inevitable and influence the interpretation of the test response.

4.0 INTERPRETATION OF STATNAMIC RESULTS

In Fig. 2 a pile shown to be modelled as a rigid body where acceleration, velocity and
displacement dependent forces are acting. Static soil resistance is represented as
displacement dependent forces. Soil damping is represented by velocity dependent forces
while inertia forces acting on the pile mass is represented by acceleration dependent
forces.

Physical Model
F
In a STATNAMIC LOAD TEST:
F = Applied force from the Statnamic device
(measured by a load cell)
m = Pile mass (easy to calculate)
u c = pile/soil damping (UNKNOWN)
m k = pile and soil stiffness (the term we need to
find)
u, v, a = measured by an optical sensor and/or
accelerometer

k c

Figure 2 : Physical Model For Statnamic Interpretation

The response of a pile to a Statnamic loading can be mathematically described by the

following equation:

Fstn(t) = Fu(t) + Fv(t) + Fa(t) (1)

where Fstn(t) is the Statnamic applied load, Fu(t) is the term accounting for the static soil
resistance, Fv(t) is the term accounting for the effect of damping, and Fa(t) accounting for
the effect of inertia during the loading/unloading stage.

The three components can be represented by

Fu(t) = K u(t)
Fv(t) = C v(t) (2)
Fa(t) = M a(t)

where u(t) is the pile top displacement and v(t) is the velocity at the pile top, a(t) is the
acceleration at the pile top, M is the mass of pile, K is the total spring stiffness, and C is
the damping component of the pile-soil system.

Substituting Eq.(2) into Eq.(1) yields

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

Fstn(t) = K u(t) + C v(t) + M a(t) (3)

Alternatively, Eq.(3) can be written as

Fstn(t) = Fsoil(t) + M a(t) (4)

where Fsoil(t) = K u(t) + C v(t) (5)

In a pile load test, u(t), v(t) and a(t) are measured together with Fstn(t) at any time t. The
mass M of the pile can easily be calculated. The value of K and C are to be determined,
and thus the components of Fu(t) and Fv(t) can then be obtained.

5.0 Procedure of Setting Up Statnamic Load Test

Figure 3 : Setting Up of Statnamic Load Test

5.1 A formation of 8 m x 8 m around the test pile must be graded and compacted to 90% dry
density or equivalent for placement of the Statnamic device's base frame.

5.2 The pile head is prepared to a smooth surface perpendicular to the direction of the
proposed applied loading which is also perpendicular to the long axis of the pile.

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

5.3 After the smooth surface is obtained, tweleve (12) numbers of 25 mm diameter holes will
be drilled from the pile top to a depth of 200 mm for installation of twelve (12) numbers
of 20 mm diameter anchor bolts.

5.4 Having installed the anchor bolts, a triangular piston mounting plate will be placed over
the bolts and secured to the pile top by 25 mm diameter nuts which will be tighten after
the anchor bolts set

5.5 After mounting the triangular piston mounting plate, the piston or combustion chamber
which house the fuel, laser sensor and load cell will be attached to the top of the pile by
six (6) numbers of bolts and nuts

5.6 The base frame is then set in placed on the 8 m x 8 m formation

5.7 The piston will be degreased with WD40 oil. Whatever dusts or stones go into the piston
chamber previously is to be sucked clean by a vacuum cleaner.

5.8 The ignition system is installed together with the Statnamic fuel cage and the
predetermined amount of fuel according to required test load is the loaded and the piston
is closed.

5.9 At the stage of completion of the installation of the piston, it will be made sure that the
ignition system is connected properly to the ignition pin in the chamber. This can be
checked by hooking up the ignition cable reel and measure the connector for the
resistance by using a multimeter. The resistance should read about 6.5 ohms to 7.8 ohms
and it must be certain that the connection is proper by checking and rechecking before the
test.

5.10 All the connection cables are then connected to the piston ie load cell, laser sensor and
ignition cable.

5.11 The cylinder assembly, which comprises the centralised valve, exhaust port, silencer and
support flanges, is then placed over the piston.

5.12 The reaction masses which are made of steel and concrete are then loaded onto the device
directly over the centraliser to ensure perfectly axial loading. The number of masses to
be placed on is 10 pieces which will be tied together with chains.

5.13 The gravel structure steel walls will then be assembled.

5.14 When the assembly is complete, the 20 mm size aggregates are loaded to fill up the space
between the weights and the gravel shell structure. The system is then surrounded or
filled with the aggregates to act as a cushion for the reaction masses when they fall back.

5.15 When the set up of the device and filling of aggregates is complete, the FPDS-5 system is
connected with the ignition system.

5.16 Before triggering of the ignition system, the password will be keyed in after and all the
site safety precautions are checked and complied.

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

5.17 It is better that all the hooting systems of the plants in site be turned on to give as warning
signal during the test.

5.18 The ignition button is then pressed to trigger the fuel. When the solid fuel propellant is
ignited, the cylinder and the reaction masses (tied together with chains) are launched off
the piston through the power stroke.

5.19 The computer will automatically records all the necessary data during the test. Testing is
completed in 5 seconds.

6.0 Presentation of Results

After completion of the Statnamic Load Test, a report will be presented containing the
following information.

Test pile details - Piling record

Pile behaviour - Discussion of Results

- Statnamic Load Test Data Tabulations.
- Statnamic Load Test Graphs

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

APPENDIX A
LIST OF PROJECT REFERENCE FOR STATNAMIC

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

List Of Project References For Statnamic Load Testing

No. Project Contractor Client/Consultant
1 Jurong Port Project, Singapore Port of Singapore Authority Port of Singapore Authority

2 HDB Sengkang N2 C10 Project, Singaporet HDB, Singapore HDB, Singapore

3 Malaysia Singapore Second Crossing, Gelang Toyo Construction Ranhill Acer JV

Patah
4 City Plaza, Johor Bahru Rotary Piling Sdn Bhd -

5 Proposed Optima Jaya Project, Bukit Bintang Takenaka Construction Arup Jururunding

6 Pahang Cement Plant, Kuantan Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu

7 Lebuh Raya Damansara Puchong Gamuda Geo-Environment Sdn Bhd

8 New Telekom Headquaters, Bangsar Peremba Construction Ranhill Bersekutu

9 Berjaya Star City, Jalan Imbi Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd SSP Geotechnics Sdn Bhd

10 Sun City, Johor Bahru Sum Cheong Piling MM Consultant

11 Wisma Matex, Johor Bahru APG Geosystems MM Consultant

12 Shah Alam Expressway Package B Gamuda-Percon JV Jurutera Perunding Kemajuan

13 Upgrading of Parit Limbong, Muar Pembinaan Sismo Sdn Bhd JKR, Muar

14 Bintulu Port Extension, Bintulu Penta Ocean Co., Ltd. Jurutere Perunding Wahba Sdn Bhd

15 Villa Angsana Condominium Mudajaya Construction Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu

16 Sun City, Johor Bahru Geopancar Sdn Bhd MM Consultant

17 Proposed UOA II, Jalan Pinang Shinei Geotechnique (M) Sdn Bhd T. Y. Lin (SEA) Sdn Bhd

18 Proposed Palm Springs Resort, Port Dickson L & M Piling Sdn Bhd H. S. Liao Consulting Engineers
19 Proposed LRT System - 2 Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd Maunsell Consultants

20 Proposed Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Percon MMCE Leighton Joint Maunsell Sharma & Zakaria Consulting
Highway Venture Engineers Sdn Bhd

21 Putra Mosque Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd Hussien & kh Chong Sdn Bhd

22 MIP Building BBR Construction Systems (M) Sdn HT Maltec Consultants Sdn Bhd
Bhd
23 18 Storey Budget Hotel Zelan Construction Sdn Bhd CS Consulting Engineers

24 Johor Port Authority Afico Sdn Bhd -

25 Perak Hanjoong Simen Expansion PL-2 Korea Heavy Industries & Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
Construction Co., Ltd
26 PHN Factory Expansion Syarikat Pembinaan Setia Jaya Sdn Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
Bhd
27 Proposed Luxury Condominium At Persiaran Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd Hussien & kh Chong Consulting Engineers Sdn
Hamsphire, Ampang Bhd
28 Middle Ring Road Package 2, Selayang Sato Kogyo Co., Ltd Arup Jururunding Sdn Bhd

29 OCBC Bank Building Bachy Soletanche (M) Sdn Bhd T. Y. Lin (SEA) Sdn Bhd

30 Kuala Lumpur Sentral I. P. Foundation (M) Sdn Bhd Mienhart Consultant

31 Prime Minister’s Office Interchange At Putra Jaya Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd Perunding ZAR

Geonamics (M) Sdn Bhd

 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

32 Kuala Lumpur Sentral UCP Geotechnics Sdn Bhd Mienhart Consultant

33 MRT Station North East Line C721, Sengkang Sato Kogyo Hock Lian Seng JV Land Transport Authority

34 Proposed Kampung Seladang Bridge, Terengganu Chengal Jaya Construction Sdn Bhd Jabatan Kerja Raya, Terengganu

35 Bukit Indah Township, Johor Bahru Hwa Hin Construction Sdn Bhd Ling & Wong Consultants

36 MRT Station North East Line C 708, Tew Chew Bachy Soletanche (S) Pte Ltd Land Transport Authority
Street.
37 Pos Selim Kg Raja Highway Project, Cameron MTD Construction Sdn Bhd Jabatan Kerja Raya
Highlands
38 Titan OSBL Pipe Line Work Package 1, Pasir CTCI Engineering & Construction Relicons Sdn Bhd
Gudang Sdn Bhd
39 Jalan Tun Razak Viaduct, Kuala Lumpur Kien Sinar Sdn Bhd DBKL
40 Titan OSBL Pipe Line Terminal Work Package 2, Chiyoda (M) Sdn Bhd Titan Petrol Chemical (M) Sdn Bhd
Pasir Gudang
41 Proposed Construction And Completion of Bridge Bridgecon Engineering Sdn Bhd Perunding Jurutera Satu (Int) Sdn Bhd
BR 2 at Putrajaya, Selangor
42 Proposed Express Rail Link Kuala Lumpur - KLIA YTL Civil Engineering Sdn Bhd Express Rail Link Sdn BHd / YTL PMS
43 Cadangan Pembangunan 1 Blok Pusat Multimedia Geopancar Sdn Bhd Peruding Bersatu Sdn Bhd
at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil
44 Proposed South Klang Valley Expressway Section APG Geosystems Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
1A Uniten Interchange
45 Proposed South Klang Valley Expressway Package geoTC Technologies Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
5A
46 Proposed Construction And Completion of Bridge Geopancar Sdn Bhd Perunding Jurutera Satu (Int) Sdn Bhd
BR 9 at Putrajaya
47 Construction And Completion of LNG 3 Berth at Muhibbah Engineering Berhad Perunding Wahba Sdn Bhd & SHC Konsultant
Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu. Sdn Bhd
48 Manjung Thermal Power Plant At Manjung, Perak Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd TNB Janamanjung Sdn Bhd
49 Pembinaan Jambatan Batang Rajang At Sibu Galland Enterprise Sdn Bhd KTA (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd
50 Proposed Pembinaan Sembilan Blok, 18 Tingkat, Seri Yakin Sdn Bhd Jabatan Perumahan Negara
2844 Unit Rumah Pangsa Dan Kerja-kerja Yang
Berkaitan Dengannya Bagi Program Perumahan
Rakyat at Air Jernih / Sungai Bunus, Kuala Lumpur
51 Proposed Muar Second Bridge, Muar Antara Koh Pte Ltd Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
52 Liquefied Chemical Berth 3 at Kuantan Port, Road Builder (M) Sdn Bhd Jurutera Perunding MSZ
Kuantan
53 Cooling Water Intake Valve At Manjung Power Leighton Lama Joint Venture TNB Janamanjung Sdn Bhd
Plant , Manjung, Perak.
54 Kuantan Kerteh Railway Project At Sg Kerteh, Kenneison Brothers Construction Sdn Minconsult Sdn Bhd
Kerteh, Trengganu. Bhd
55 Slugcatcher III Project at LNG 3, Tanjung AKM Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
Kidurong, Bimtulu.
56 Proposed Bridge Over Batang Rajang, Sibu, Galland Enterprise Sdn Bhd KTA (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd
Sarawak
57 Proposed Electrified Double Tracking Between DRB Hicom DRB Hicom
Rawang And Ipoh.
58 Asian Institute Of Medicine, Science And Ranhill Antara Koh Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
Technology, Bedong, Kedah.
59 Anglo Chinese School, Dunearn Road, Singapore. China Construction Pte Ltd Steen Consult.
60 Proposed Victoria School And Hostel At Siglap Kay Lim Construction And Trading Public Works Department, Singapore.
Link/Marine Parade Road, Singapore Pte Ltd
61 Design Development & Construction of The Antara Koh Pte Ltd -
Proposed New Merlion Pier/Park
62 Prposed Penang Viaduct at Bayan Lepas Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd JKR
63 Expansion Of North Butterworth Container AKM Sdn Bhd Advance Wisdom Tidal Marine JV
Terminal At Penang Port, Butterworth, Penang
64 Proposed Kuala Kurau Bridge Latimer Corporation Sdn Bhd JKR
65 Proposed Custom, Imigration & Quarantine Pintaras Geotechnics Sdn Bhd JKR-
Complex in Johor Bahru.
66 Proposed Johor Bahru Sentral Pintaras Geotechnics Sdn Bhd JKR
67 Proposed Sedili Bridge in Kota Tinggi Ibsul Holdings Sdn Bhd JKR-
68 Proposed Kuala Muda Bridge Hasrat Sedaya Sdn Bhd JKR
69 Proposed New State Administrative Complex for UEM Builders Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

Johor State Government

70 Proposed Flood Mitigation at MSC Seroja Yakin Sdn Bhd Jabatan Pengairan Dan Saliran
71 Proposed Suasana Sentral 2, KL Pintaras Geotechnics Sdn Bhd Ranhill
72 Proposed Binjai Residency , KL APG Geo-systems Sdn Bhd KTA Sarawak
73 Proposed Expansion Of Bintulu Port Muhibbah Enginnering Bhd Perunding Wahba Sdn Bhd & SHC Konsultant
Sdn Bhd
74 Proposed Upgrading Of Federal Route 1 at Jitra Realis Sdn Bhd Khairi Consult
75 Proposed Upgrading Of Old Klang Road Keng Hui Construction Sdn Bhd JKR
76 Proposed Hampshire 2 Geopancar Sdn Bhd -
77 Proposed Bridge For Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone Soil Mechanics Sdn Bhd CBS Consult Sdn Bhd
78 Proposed Avare, Lorong Kuda, K.L. Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd Embassy Court Sdn Bhd
79 Proposed Simpang Pulai Lojing Gua Musang Kuala Pilecon Geotechnics Sdn Bhd JKR
Berang Pakej 6 – Aring Ke Jambatan Pasir Pulau,
Kelantan
80 Proposed Senai Desaru Expressway, Kong Kong, AKM Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
Johor
81 The Proposed Delfi Cocoa Plant at Pasir Gudang, Geopakar Sdn Bhd -
Johor
82 The Proposed Upgrading of Jalan Cheras, Taman Pembinaan Jutapuas Sdn Bhd DBKL
Segar, Kuala Lumpur.
83 The Proposed Troika, Jalan Binjai, KL. Econpile Sdn Bhd Web Structure Sdn Bhd
84 The Proposed Idaman Residence, Kuala Lumpur Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd
85 Cadangan Pembinaan Kompleks KDN/KA Dan APG Geosystems (M) Sdn Bhd Jabatan Kerja Raya
Logistik Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah
Persekutuan
86 Proposed Erection of Clean And Light Industrial Scanpile Pte Ltd Building and Construction Authority
Development on Lot 7754 and 7755 PT MK5 at
Bukit Batok Cresent, Bukit Batok, Singapore
87 Pakej 6 Aring Ke Jambatan Pasir Pulau at Aring, Kumpulan Liziz Sdn Bhd JKR
Kelantan
88 Proposed Shell Ethylene Cracker Complex Project Shimizu Corporation Engineers 9000 Pte Ltd
at Pulau Ular, Singapore
89 Proposed Shell Ethylene Cracker Complex Project Penta Ocean Contruction Co. Engineers 9000 Pte Ltd
at Pulau Ular, Singapore
90 Proposed Jack Platform at Fabrication Area No.4 Solid Pile Sdn Bhd Konsortium Kontraktor Bumiputra Johor
for Angle Topside Project at Pasir Gudang
91 Cadangan Pembesaran Plaza Pejalan Kaki Foundation and Grouting Sdn Bhd DBKL
Bersebelahan Masjid Jamek LRT Station Unutk
DBKL at Jalan Melayu/Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala
Lumpur
92 Menaik Taraf Jambatan Dan Simpang Di Jalan TNG Construction Sdn Bhd JKR
TAP/Jalan Meru, Meru, Klang.
93 Projek Landasan Berkembar Elektrik Di Antara Seri Yakin Sdn Bhd VA Consult
Sentul Dan Batu Caves
94 Proposed Extension of Existing Berth J3 & J4 And Antara Koh Pte Ltd Jurong Port
Strengthening of Part of Existing Berth J4 at Jurong
Port, Singapore
95 Construction of RC Ramp, Breakwaters And Antara Koh Pte Ltd _
Ancillary Works At Changi Naval Base, Changi
96 Proposed Jack Platform at Fabrication Area No.4 Solid Pile Sdn Bhd Konsortium Kontaktor Bumiputra Johor Bhd
for Angle Topside Project at Pasir Gudang
97 Proposed Four Seasons Place at KLCC Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd ADG Matrix Sdn Bhd

98 Proposed Hampshire Park Phase at Lorong Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd Dr. C. T Toh Consultant Sdn Bhd
Hampshire
99 Cadangan Membina Jambatan Kampung Sawah & Dua Medan Sdn Bhd JKR Shah Alam
Menaiktaraf Jalan Telok Panglima Garang Ke
Pekan Banting, Selangor Darul Ehsan
100 Proposed Redevelopment of Overseas Union House Hyundai Engineering & Construction Meinhardt (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
and CAAP at 50 Collyer Quay, Singapore Co., Ltd
101 Proposed Yemen LNG Project (JT1 Subcontract) at Muhibbah Engineering Bhd YLNG
Balhaf, Yemen
102 The Design, Construction, Completion, Testing Bagusia Sdn Bhd KTA Sarawak
And Commissioning of Submarine Base For Royal
Malaysian Navy at Sepangar Bay, Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah
103 Proposed Pearl @ KLCC Pintaras Geotechnics Sdn Bhd Malton Properties.

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

104 The Proposed Pelebaran Jalan Gombak at Gombak, Alpace Engineering Sdn Bhd DBKL
Kuala Lumpur

APPENDIX B
STATNAMIC SETUP SEQUENCE

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

Drilling Holes for Anchor Bolt

Placing Statnamic Test Plate

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

Placing the Piston

Placing the Silencer, Masses, & Gravel Structure

Placing the Gravel Structure

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 Method Statement For Statnamic Load Test

Inside Gravel Structure, Test in Progress

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