PROJECT : CADANGAN PEMBANGUNAN 1 UNIT JAMBATAN KE

PEMBANGUNAN TEBUSGUNA TANAH TANJONG TOKONG

(FASA 2A), DAERAH TIMUR LAUT, PULAU PINANG

UNTUK TETUAN TANJUNG PINANG DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD

Method Statement For Statnamic Test

For TEST PILE

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 Content

1 INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………..... 3
1.1 GENERAL …………………………………………………………………………. 3
1.2 OBJECTIVE ……………………………………………………………………..... 3
2 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS FOR PILE TEST ………………………………. 3
3 OVERVIEW OF THE TEST PILE AND STATNAMIC LOAD TEST ………… 3
3.1 TEST PILE DETAILS …………………………………………………………….. 3
3.2 BACKGROUND AND FEATURES …………………………………………….. 3
3.3 INTERPRETATION OF STATNAMIC RESULTS ……………………………… 5
4 PROCEDURE OF SETTING UP STATNAMIC LOAD TEST …………………… 7
5 SAFETY REQUIREMENT ……………………………………………………….. 8
6 CONTENTS OF TEST REPORT ……………………………………………….. 9
6.1 OVERVIEW …………………………………………………………. 9
6.2 GENERAL …………………………………………………………… 9
6.3 PILE INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT ………………………………… 9
6.4 TEST PILE …………………………………………………………... 9
6.5 TEST PILE INSTALLATION ………………………………………. 9
6.6 STATNAMIC TEST RESULTS ……………………………………. 9
7 ORGANIZATION …………………………………………………………………. 10

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Objective

The objectives of the Statnamic load test are summarized as follows:

1. To undertake load tests to prove the pile resistance and the working test pile(s) shall be constructed
in the same construction method as the works piles.
2. The load test shall be carried out to check the ultimate resistance of the pile including the pile
ultimate bearing capacity and the ultimate resistance at pile base. Also, the pile shaft skin friction
parameter at each soil layer should be determined.
3. Working test piles shall be constructed and tested sufficiently in advance of the main works for the
results to be evaluated and the design modified if necessary.
4. Through practical piling operation, the workmanship in the specific construction activities such as
the slurry production system and pile base cleaning shall be verified. Meanwhile, the relevant
indexes shall be checked whether they can reach the original assumed. The test pile can provide
experience feedback and recommendation for the production pile construction.

2 Referenced Documents for Pile Test

(1) ASTM D 7383-08: Standard Test Method for Axial Compressive Force Pulse (Rapid) Testing of
Deep Foundatons

3 Overview of the Test Piles and Statnamic Test

3.1 Test Piles Detail

Table 1-1: Test Pile Detail

Pile Index Pile Diameter Working Target test load (t)

Load (t)

TEST PILE 1200mm 800 1600

3.2 Features of Statnamic Test

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. 6.

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 Fig. 2 Statnamic Test on Land

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

Fig.3 : Statnamic Schematic

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

3.3 INTERPRETATION OF STATNAMIC RESULTS

Physical Model
F
In a STATNAMIC LOAD TEST:

F = Applied force from the Statnamic device

u (measured by a load cell)

m m = Pile mass (easy to calculate)

c = pile/soil damping (UNKNOWN)

k = pile and soil stiffness (the term we need to
k c
find)

Fig. 4 : Physical Model For Statnamic Interpretation

(a) Unloading Point method (Kusakabe and Matsumoto, 1995)

This method assumes that damping is linear, i.e. the damping coefficient C is constant through out the
test.

In the Unloading Point method, F soil is calculated from

Fsoil(t) = Fstn(t) - M a(t) (6)

The point of maximum displacement on the F soil versus u curve is called the ‘‘Unloading Point’’, which
corresponds to the point when the velocity is zero (v = 0). Since this zero velocity point is unique, it
also corresponds to the point of maximum displacement on the F stn versus u curve.

At this unloading point, the damping force F v (t u) is equal to zero as the velocity is zero, where t u is the
time at the Unloading point. Thus, at the Unloading Point

Fsoil(t u) = Fu(tu) = Fstn(tu) - M a(t u) (7)

This value of Fu(tu) corresponding to the Unloading Point is taken to the maximum static soil resistance,
Fu(max) obtained in the Statnamic test

The damping factor C is estimated from

C = [Fsoil(max) - Fu(max)] / v (8)

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where Fsoil(max) is the maximum value of F soil determined from the Fsoil versus u curve, and v is the pile
velocity at Fsoil(max).

The complete static load-deflection curve can then be obtained by using this value of C and calculating
the static load Fu(t) as follows:

Fu(t) = Fstn - Cv(t) - Ma(t) (9)

(b) Matsumoto (1994) method

In this method, both the spring and damping factors (K and C in Eq. 3) are assumed to vary during the
load/unloading stages.

The static tangent spring stiffness, k(i) is determined from

k(i) = Fu(i) - Fu(i - 1) (10)

u(i) - u(i - 1)

The initial value of k(1) is estimated from

k(1) = Fstat (1)/u(1) (11)

where Fstat (1) is the static resistance at the start of the test (t = 0), which is equal to the weight of the
reaction mass, and u(1) is the initial displacement.

For the (i + 1)th time step

k(i + 1) = k(i) (12)

Fu(i + 1) = Fu(i) + k(i + 1){u(i + 1) - u(i)} (13)

The damping coefficient can be calculated from

C(i + 1) = {Fstn(i + 1) - Fu(i + 1) - Ma(i + 1) }/ v(i + 1) (14)

At the (i + 2)th time step, the following equations are solved:

C(i + 2) = C(i + 1) (15

Fu(i + 2) = Fstn(i + 2) - C(i + 2) v(i + 1) - Ma(i + 2) (16)

K(i +2) = Fu(i +2) - Fu(i +1) (17)

u(i +2) - u(i +1)

The Fu versus u curve can be constructed by iterative use of eqs. 12 to 17. The values of k and C are
successively updated as the calculations proceed.

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 Fig 5 : Derived Static Load Displacement Curve from Statnamic Test Results

4 Procedure of Setting Up Statnamic Load Test

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.
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.
3. After the smooth surface is obtained, twenty four (24) numbers of 25 mm diameter holes
will be drilled from the pile top to a depth of 200 mm for installation of twenty four (24)
numbers of 25 mm diameter anchor bolts.
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. 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
6. The base frame is then set in placed on the 8 m x 8 m formation.
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.
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. (Refer to appendix A)
9. At the stage of completion of the installation of the piston, it will be made sure that the

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 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 5.0 ohms to 20.0
ohms and it must be certain that the connection is proper by checking and rechecking
before the test.
10. All the connection cables are then connected to the piston ie load cell, laser sensor and
ignition cable.
11. The cylinder assembly, which comprises the centralised valve, exhaust port, silencer and
support flanges, is then placed over the piston.
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 and tied together with
chains. (Refer to Appendix A)
13. The gravel structure steel walls will then be assembled.
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.
15. When the set up of the device and filling of aggregates is complete, the PDR system is
connected with the ignition system.
16. Before triggering of the ignition system, the password will be keyed in after and all the
site safety precautions are checked and complied.
17. It is better that all the hooting systems of the plants in site be t urned on to give as warning
signal during the test.
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.
19. The computer will automatically record all the necessary data during the test. Testing is
completed in 5 seconds.

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5 Safety Requirement

1. All operations in connection with the testing of the pile shall be carried out in such a manner as to
minimize, avoid, or eliminate the exposure of the workplace and personnel to hazards. The following
safety considerations are to be followed in addition to the general safety requirements applicable to
all construction activities. All applicable construction codes and regulations still apply. If the force
pulse is generated by gas pressure from the combustion of materials that are classified as explosives
or pyrotechnics, the appropriate safety precautions taken.
2. The test apparatus shall be carefully aligned and the mounting system shall be secured
concentrically and axially to ensure that it is not dislodged during the test, and to ensure against
eccentric loading or damage to the pile.
3. The ground surrounding the test pile shall be adequately prepared, leveled, or compacted to support
any test-produced loads and to prevent damage to the pile, the test, or surrounding material.

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4. The routine used to initiate the force pulse application shall ensure against premature initiation until
such time as all recommended checks are completed and personnel are clear of the test area,
defined as a radius of 30 m from the test.
5. Any mechanisms, seals, lubrication, or preparations shall be checked for condition and replaced as
necessary to prevent unsafe conditions before, during, or after the test event.
6. If compressed gas is used in the production of the force pulse an adequate system for the safe
venting or dispensing of the gas must be provided. Control of any venting noises must be made to
accommodate governing noise limitations.
7. Loads shall not be hoisted, moved, or suspended over personnel and shall be controlled by ropes or
otherwise.
8. Only authorized personnel shall be permitted within the test area.

6 Contents of Test Report

6.1 The report of Statnamic test shall include any information required by the Engineer plus the
following information:
6.2 General:
6.2.1 Project identification and location.
6.2.2 Log(s) of nearby or typical test boring(s).
6.3 Pile Installation Equipment:
6.3.1 Description of driving method and installation equipment.
6.4 Test Pile:
6.4.1 Identification and location of test pile.
6.4.2 Required ultimate axial static compressive capacity.
6.4.3 Type and dimensions of test pile, including nominal or actual cross-sectional area, or
both, length, wall thickness.
6.5 Test Pile Installation:
6.5.1 Date of test pile installation and embedment below reference.
6.5.2 To include driving records with blow count, and hammer stroke or operating level for
final unit penetration.
6.5.4 Elevations of pile top, pile bottom, and ground surface referenced to a datum.
6.6 Statnamic Test Results:
6.6.1 Testing Date.
6.6.2 Graphical representation of force versus time.
6.6.3 Graphical representation of displacement versus time using common time scale with
7.6.2.
6.6.4 Measured force versus displacement plot.
6.6.5 Derived force versus displacement plot by Unloading Point Method and Masumoto
Method
6.6.6 Graphical representation of velocity versus time using a common time scale with
6.6.2.
6.6.7 Graphical representation of acceleration versus time using common time scale with
6.6.2.
6.6.8 A numerical presentation versus time of the applied force, displacement, velocity and
acceleration.

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 6.6.9 Notation of any unusual occurrences during testing.
6.6.10 Result of pile integrity checks performed as part of test procedure.
6.6.11 Net residual displacement.
6.6.12 Summary and description of the analysis method used including assumptions,
limitations, and applied reduction factors, if appropriate.

7. Organization and Key Personnel

KENNY LAU
Testing Engineer

MOHD RAFFI
Senior Supervisor

MOHAMAD JUREK MOHD SAIFUL MOHD ARIFFIN

General Worker General Worker General Worker

Chart 1: Organization Chart for Statnamic Testing Team

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 Appendix A
Reaction Mass and Fuel Calculation

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Reaction Mass Requirement for 1200 mm Diameter for Test Pile

Newton’s 2nd Law of Acceleration (F= m x a) is the main principle in the mechanics of the
Statnamic Pile Testing method. The testing mechanics involve upwards propulsion of a known
reaction mass ( = 5% test load) upwards at 20g acceleration derived from the combustion of a
calculated quantity of specially designed solid Statnamic fuel within the test assembly. This
results in a load pulse applied on the pile (equivalent to 100% of test load) thus completing
Newton’s 2nd Law formula in reverse (m x a = F).

- Test Load = 1600 tons

- 5% of Test Load = 1600 x 5% = 80.0 tons (Required)
- Target Test Load = 1600 tons
- Recommended reaction mass = 82.2 tons

FUEL CHART

28

24

20
Expected Force (MN)

Target Test Load = 16.00 MN

16

12

Required Amount of Fuel = 11.50 kg

0
0 3 6 9 12 15 18
Propellant Charge Size (kg)

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 Appendix B
Statnamic Setup Diagrams

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 Installing the Steel Staging

Placing of Base Frame and Piston

Placing of the Bottom Gravel Structure

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 Loading the Fuel Charge

Sealing of the Piston after the Fuel Charged is Loaded

Installing the Silencer

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 Placing of the Reaction Masses

Placing of the Top Gravel Structure

Loading of the Aggregates

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Ready for Testing

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