High Strain Dynamic Test

Methodology

Method Statement for High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Piles

1.0 Introduction

High-Strain Dynamic Pile Testing (HSDPT) is a reliable and proven method to evaluate the pile capacity and
integrity for bored and driven pile shafts. The test consists of impacting the pile with a hammer (1-1.5% of test
load or 5-7% of the dead weight of the pile whichever is higher) and measuring the and velocities.
Information obtained from the test is much more than static testing. The test can be used to evaluate various
pile parameters, important of these are mentioned relevant forces blow.

• Static capacity of the pile at the time of testing.

• Total skin friction and end bearing of the pile

• Skin friction variation along the length of the pile

• Simulated static load test curve

• Net and total displacement of the pil.

• Compressive and tensile stresses developed in the pile during testing

• Pile integrity and changes in cross-section if any.

The test procedure conforms to the ASTM D4945-00. We provides this service using Pile Driving Analyzer –
Model PAX manufactured by Pile Dynamics Inc., USA. This is the latest model of equipment supplied by
Manufacturer. Pile Driving Analyzer system involves state-of-the-art equipment and computer software for
analysis.

2.0 Site Preparation & Data Collection

a) High-Strain Dynamic Testing of pile is conducted by attaching a pair of strain gauges and accelerometers
diametrically opposite sides of the pile. These gauges are fixed below the pile top at approximately 1.5 times
the pile diameter.

b) The gauges are normally bolted on the concrete surface after drilling holes in the pile concrete.

c) The gauges are then connected to Pile Driving Analyzer through a junction cable and main cable.

The following shall be supplied prior to starting the test by the contractor to the test agency.

• Pile Reference & Location

• Pile Length from test level (sensor level)

• Pile Cutoff Level,

• Pile Diameter

Optional Information

• Pile Installation Record showing

Geo Engineering Services Page 1

Head Office : 7, Amarnagar, Near Khodiyar Nagar, New V.I.P. Road, Vadodara-390022, Telefax : (0265) 2532536, E-mail :gesvdr@yahoo.com
Branch Office: Adipur – Kutch : SDB-66, Opp. Jivatram Manghnani Hospital, Nr. Reliance Tower, Adipur, Kutch – Ph : (02836) 295846, Email: ges_adi@yahoo.com
Dahod : 6, Tena Plot, Opp. Ashok Apartment, Ambawadi, Near Hutch Tower, Govind Nagar, Dahod, Ph : (02673) 223925, Email: gesghd@yahoo.com
High Strain Dynamic Test
Methodology

- Concrete Grade,

- Concrete Consumption, etc.,

• Soil Borelog if available on site

d) The signals are then triggered by the impact of a hammer falling from a pre- determined height. The
hammer drops are gradually increased depending upon the mobilized capacity and required test load. The
hammer weight shall be 1-1.5% of test load or 5-7% of the dead weight of the pile whichever is higher for the
pile. For e.g. a hammer weight of 10tons may be required to measure the capacity of 1000 tons.

e) Strains are measured by strain gauges while accelerometers measures the acceleration which is later
integrated to velocity for further evaluation of data.

f) The mobilized capacity under the blow is then evaluated by the measured force and velocity values.
The Pile Driving Analyzer has its own in-built program to calculate all the variables. On site results are obtained
in the form of the mobilized capacity, pile top displacement, pile stresses, etc.

3.0 Analysis of Data using CAPWAP

CAPWAP (Case Pile Wave Analysis Program) is a software program that estimates total bearing capacity of a
pile as well as resistance distribution along the pile shaft and at the pile toe. This is necessary to verify the field
capacity and results, since certain parameters have been assumed during field testing. The program takes as
input the recorded force and velocity data obtained with a PDA for a blow delivered to the pile.

This signal matching analysis is considered a standard procedure for the capacity evaluation from high-
strain dynamic pile testing data. Using one pile top measurement, like the downward stress wave, CAPWAP
iteratively alters the soil model to calculate and obtain a best match with the complimentary wave, such as the
measured upward traveling wave. The pile and soil models are then used to determine the estimated static
load- settlement curve. CAPWAP completes the Dynamic Load testing procedure and simulates a Static Load
Test.

4.0 Reporting

The final report shall be presented within 3 to 4 working days of completion of testing and shall include the
following.

• Introduction

• Overview

• Equipment Details

• Methodology

• CAPWAP Analysis

• Discussion of Results

• Conclusions

Geo Engineering Services Page 2

Head Office : 7, Amarnagar, Near Khodiyar Nagar, New V.I.P. Road, Vadodara-390022, Telefax : (0265) 2532536, E-mail :gesvdr@yahoo.com
Branch Office: Adipur – Kutch : SDB-66, Opp. Jivatram Manghnani Hospital, Nr. Reliance Tower, Adipur, Kutch – Ph : (02836) 295846, Email: ges_adi@yahoo.com
Dahod : 6, Tena Plot, Opp. Ashok Apartment, Ambawadi, Near Hutch Tower, Govind Nagar, Dahod, Ph : (02673) 223925, Email: gesghd@yahoo.com
High Strain Dynamic Test
Methodology

A complete CAPWAP analysis report shall be submitted with the final report and shall include the following in
addition to above.

• Total pile capacity in friction and end bearing

• Frictional distribution along sides of the pile

• Changes in Pile Cross-Section if any

• Simulated Static Test Curve

• Force & Velocity Curve obtained on field

Geo Engineering Services Page 3

Head Office : 7, Amarnagar, Near Khodiyar Nagar, New V.I.P. Road, Vadodara-390022, Telefax : (0265) 2532536, E-mail :gesvdr@yahoo.com
Branch Office: Adipur – Kutch : SDB-66, Opp. Jivatram Manghnani Hospital, Nr. Reliance Tower, Adipur, Kutch – Ph : (02836) 295846, Email: ges_adi@yahoo.com
Dahod : 6, Tena Plot, Opp. Ashok Apartment, Ambawadi, Near Hutch Tower, Govind Nagar, Dahod, Ph : (02673) 223925, Email: gesghd@yahoo.com