PILE TESTING & INSTRUMENTATION

Pile & Instrumentation Testing(PT & I)

ACES DUBAI

PILE TESTING SERVICES

Mechanical Caliper Logging
Low Strain Integrity Testing
High Strain Dynamic Testing
Cross-Hole Sonic Logging
Static Loading Test on Instrumented piles
Static Lateral Loading Test
Bi Directional Loading Test

Mechanical Caliper Logging

MECHANICAL CALIPER CALIPER LOGGING

Measure :
Assess the Diameter of the Pile Bore and depth of pile bore
prior to concreting and to ensure that it complies with the
design diameter and depth.
The three-Arm Caliper Logging System (Robertson Geologging) consisting of the
following is used:
Three Arm-Caliper Tool : The three-arm caliper has arms of equal length oriented at
120 apart.
All arms move together, which provides an average diameter
measurement. The caliper probes are spring loaded. The arms are retracted and
opened with an electric motor and retention spring as many times as needed while
logging a borehole.

MECHANICAL CALIPER FROM Robertson Geologging . U.K.

Test Method : - ASTM D 6167-97

MECHANICAL CALIPER LOGGING

The caliper logging was carried out adopting the
following procedure.
The caliper logging tool is lowered to the
bottom of pile bore with the arms closed, at a
speed to be selected based on borehole depth,
stability and other conditions.
The caliper arms are opened so that it is in
contact with the pile bore wall.
The logging speed of 5m per minute is selected.
The logging tool is switched to recording mode
and data is collected from the logging tool at
regular intervals until the top of borehole / casing
is reached.

Depth Vs. Pile bore Diameter

Low Strain Integrity Testing

LOW STRAIN INTEGRITY TESTING OF PILES

Detect any major discontinuities or defects
in foundations which may lead to failure of
the pile shaft.
- Pulse Echo Method ( PEM )
- Transient Response Method (TRM)
- Pile Shape Analysis

P I T COLLECTOR MODEL FROM PILE DYNAMICS, INC. U.S.A.

Test Method :
- ASTM D 5882 - 08
- CIRIA Report 144 97

LOW STRAIN INTEGRITY TESTING OF PILES

- Pulse Echo Method ( PEM )
The pile head velocity is measured as a function of time. The time
domain record is then evaluated for pile integrity. Strong velocity
variations may be the result of changes in pile cross section,
concrete quality or soil resistance. For example, relative increases
in pile top velocity may be the result of either a cross sectional
decrease or a soft soil layer. In the absence of soil resistance
changes, pile top variations are caused by pile impedance changes.
The pile impedance (Z) is defined as

Impedance, Z = c. . A
A = piles cross sectional area
= Pile Density
c = velocity of propagation of the stress wave
through the pile

Thus, an impedance reduction can be caused by

a decrease either in area (A), or in the concretes
modulus of elasticity (E), or in density ().
Since both modulus and density are related to
concrete strength, it is fair to say that impedance
depends on cross sectional area and concrete
quality

LOW STRAIN INTEGRITY TESTING OF PILES

Small hammer
impact device

Accelerometer
measures response

LOW STRAIN INTEGRITY TESTING OF PILES

Defect Analysis

Bulging & Necking (Increase & decrease in impedance)

Apparent reflections occurring prior to the toe
response that are of the same sign as the input
are due to the relative decrease in impedance (necking).
Reflections in the opposite sign are due to relative increase
of impedance (bulging).

LOW STRAIN INTEGRITY TESTING OF PILES

- Transient Response Method ( TRM )
Determining the integrity of individual vertical or inclined piles by measuring and
analyzing the force and velocity response of the pile induced by an (instrumented
hammer) impact device applied axially to the pile normally at the pile head.
The pile head motion and force (measured with an instrumented hammer) are
measured as a function of time. The data are evaluated usually in the frequency
domain.
This method can only give meaningful results if properly calibrated force and
velocity signals are available together with a correct pile impedance value.
The quantitative Transient Response results may be helpful as a relative measure of
a piles quality within a group of similar piles.

LOW STRAIN INTEGRITY TESTING OF PILES

- Frequency Analysis
Based on the transient response method, frequency analysis on
both force and velocity, and from velocity divided by force
calculates the mobility.
The standard result if TRM is a plot of the frequency spectrum
of the ratio of velocity to force (mobility). So the mobility is
the piles velocity to a particular excitation force.
A mobility peak occurs at a frequency indicative of the time
when the velocity changes due to the reflection from the toe or
an intermediate impedance reduction..
Mobility peaks occurring at regular intervals are indicative of
dominant frequency f. The corresponding distance below the
top at which the change occurs is calculated from l=c/2f.
Where c- wave speed.

LOW STRAIN INTEGRITY TESTING OF PILES

- Pile Shape Analysis [PROFILE]
This analysis is an extension of the basic SPE
(Sonic Pulse Echo) method and will be referred
to as the PROFILE program
Basically, PROFILE considers the pile top
displacement (the integral of the velocity) an
image of the pile impedance vs. depth. Pile
impedance Vs. depth is called the Profile of
the pile. To remove the velocity effects of soil
resistance the method establishes a reference
line.
Two major factors affect the variation in velocity
recorded at the top of a pile. 1) Pile impedance
variation, and 2) Soil resistance. To find the
impedance along the depth of a pile, the velocity
effect of soil resistance has to be eliminated.
This method may be used to quantify in an approximate manner
the reflections in al low strain velocity record. It helps to
visualize and to a certain degree quantify the cause of the
velocity reflection effects contained in the shaft top velocity
records.

LOW STRAIN INTEGRITY TESTING OF PILES

Limitation
Clear and characteristic reflections from the pile toe are not
always indicated and hence the prediction of accurate pile
toe is not possible with the integrity
testing for the type of rock interface.

High Strain Dynamic Testing

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Introduction
This test covers the procedure for testing vertical or batter piles individually to determine
the force and velocity response of the pile to an impact force applied axially by a pile
driving hammer or similar device that will cause a large strain impact to the top of the
pile.
This test method is used to provide data on strain or force and acceleration, velocity or
displacement of a pile under impact force. The data are used to estimate the bearing
capacity and the integrity of the pile, as well as hammer performance, pile stresses, and
soil dynamics characteristics.
Dynamic testing involves attaching two strain transducers and two accelerometers for the
PAL system and four strain transducers and four accelerometers to the pile for the PAK
and PAX system approximately 1.5 pile diameters below the pile head during initial
driving or at a convenient location during restrike testing. An impact hammer or a heavy,
guided block is dropped onto the specially prepared pile head. The generated compression
wave travels down the pile and reflects from the pile toe upward. The waves, which are
picked up by the sensors, are processed and automatically stored in the field by the
computer. The data can be easily retrieved for further review, graphical presentations or
reporting.

PAX

Measure :
- Pile Integrity
- Bearing Capacity
- Hammer Performance
- Pile Stresses

Test Method :
- ASTM D 4945 - 08

PAL

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

EQUIPMENT :Strain Transducer
Impacting Hammer

A conventional pile driving hammer or similar device is used for applying

the impact force which is capable of generating a net measurable pile
penetration. The hammer is positioned so that the impact is applied axially
to the head of the pile and concentric with the pile.

Strain Transducer

Accelerometer

Strain Transducers

The strain transducers shall have a linear output over the entire range of
possible strains. When attached to the pile, their natural frequency shall be
in excess of 2000 Hz. The measured strain shall be converted to force using
the pile cross-section area and dynamic modulus of elasticity at the
measured location.
Accelerometers

Velocity data shall be obtained with accelerometers. A minimum of two

accelerometers with a resonant frequency above 2500 Hz shall be at equal
radial distances on diametrically opposite sides of the pile. Signal
Transmission Apparatus

The signal from the sensor shall be conveyed to the apparatus for recording,
reducing, and displaying the data by means of a cable or equivalent.

PILE DRIVING ANALYZER FROM PILE DYNAMICS, INC. U.S.A.

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Dynamic Load Testing-Capacity
The pile driving analyzer was developed initially for determining static pile
capacity. Correlations with static static load tests have shown generally good
agreement. Use of PDA for capacity evaluation requires that results be
carefully analyzed and compared with usually CAPWAP or perhaps limited
static tests.
Dynamic testing estimates for the pile capacity indicate the mobilized
capacity at the time of testing. Increases and decreases in the pile capacity
with time typically occur (soil setup/relaxation). Therefore Dynamic testing
during restrike tests usually yield a better indication of long term pile
capacity than a test at the end of pile driving.
Good capacity results can usually be obtained by
Make sure resistance is fully activated. The hammer energy should be
sufficient to produce pile set per blow greater than about 3mm/blow.
Restrike the pile after a wait period. As the soil pressures equalize around
the pile, as the pore pressures decrease and other strength changes are best
evaluated by restrike testing after a considerable period of time.

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Force and Velocity Response in Different Soil Conditions
The PDA Data are usually presented in the form of
PDA wave traces which show the measured force and
velocity developments drawn against time.
For a pile length of L below the gages, reflection from
the pile toe will arrive will arrive to the gage location
at time 2L/c where c is the wave speed.
Force and velocity traces are initially overlapping.
Force and Velocity introduced by an impact are
proportional by impedance.

Pile Integrity From Dynamic Testing

For a pile no sudden changes of shaft resistance
normally occur along the pile. Therefore the separation
of force and velocity traces caused by the shaft
resistance is normally relatively gradual before time
2L/c. A sudden increase in velocity and decrease in
force (tension reflection) occurred prior to 2L/c
represents a damage in the pile shaft. In the PDA
software it will be shown as BTA and if the BTA is
less than 70% represents a crack in the pile shaft.

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Testing of Concrete Piles

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Testing of Steel Tubular Piles

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

CAPWAP
Case Pile Wave Analysis Program

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

CAPWAP PURPOSE
Use Force and Velocity Measurements From
the PDA Directly in a Wave Equation Type
Analysis to Determine
TOTAL CAPACITY
RESISTANCE DISTRIBUTION
QUAKE (at toe)
SIMULATED STATIC TEST
EXTREME PILE STRESSES

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Program Flow-1
ON SITE :
Measurement of
pile response
VELOCITY, v

2 independent
measurements:

FORCE, F

Input to
CAPWAP model

Select
V

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Apply Velocity
to pile head
NO

Match OK?
YES

Adjust
soil model

Compute pile response :

Input Output
v

NO

Blow count
OK?
YES

Static Capacity +
Distribution Defined
Compare measured
and computed Force
Print
or Plot
Output

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Typical Example for CAPWAP Analysis on Concrete Bored Pile

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Typical Example for CAPWAP Analysis on Steel Tubular DPile

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TESTING OF PILES

Cross Hole Sonic Logging

CROSS-HOLE SONIC LOGGING

Measure :
- Assess the Quality of Pile
Cross-hole Sonic Logging (CSL) techniques have been
designed to assess the quality of piles, drilled shafts, and
slurry trench walls after installation, without destroying what
has been built and without development of more efficient and
reliable constructed systems. CSL provides the engineer with
an inexpensive method of testing concrete and of locating
and assessing the extent of any irregularity. This method is
most applicable when performed between tubes that are
installed during concreting.
The cross-hole sonic logging (CSL) method is an ultrasonic
test that involves measuring the propagation time of
ultrasonic signals between two probes in vertical holes in a
shaft. This test measures the apparent time between probes.
The apparent velocity incorporates all the concrete
conditions between the probes including the concrete, water
and tubes. Non uniformities such as contamination, soft
concrete, and honeycombing, voids, or inclusions exhibit
delayed arrival time with reduced signal strength.
.

Test Method : - ASTM D 6760- 08

- Access Tube
The total number of installed access ducts in the pile
shall be closer consistent with good coverage of cross
section. The recommended access tubes are nominal 38 to
50mm (1.5 to 2.0 inch) inside diameter and maximum of
5mm thickness are attached to the reinforcement cage of the
pile distributed at sensibly constant spacing. As guide, the
number of access ducts is of often selected as one duct for
every 0.25 to 0.3m of pile diameter , with a minimum of
three access ducts, spaced equally around the circumference
and filled with water prior to the concrete placement. The
water acts as a coupling medium between the transducer and
the access tube. Tubes should be free from corrosion with
clean internal and external faces to ensure a good bond
between the concrete and the tubes. The CSL probes will
pass through the entire length of the tube without binding.
.

CROSS-HOLE SONIC LOGGING

Transmit

Receive

Stress Waves, emitted

in one tube are received
in another one if concrete
quality is satisfactory

CROSS-HOLE SONIC LOGGING

CROSS-HOLE SONIC LOGGING

Typical Presentation of the Result

CROSS-HOLE SONIC LOGGING

Sonic Map
The Sonic Map is a three dimensional display of acquired data (far right graph).

CROSS-HOLE SONIC LOGGING

Defect Analysis
-

A defect, if present would be indicated by an increase in arrival (usually greater than 20% of the
average arrival time) and a corresponding decrease in relative signal energy of wave speed

Defect

Defect

Defect

CROSS-HOLE SONIC LOGGING

Defect Analysis

The spikes shown in the above graph are due to change in arrival time because of the pipe joint

Static Loading Test on

Instrumented Piles

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

INSTRUMENTS :
-VIBRATING WIRE STRAIN GAUGES

-VW Embedment Strain Gauge

VW embedment strain gauges are used to measure strain in reinforced
concrete and mass concrete

-VW Surface-Mount Strain Gauge

Surface-mount strain gauges are used to measure strain in steel. Typical
applications include:
-Monitoring structural members of buildings and bridges during and
after construction
-Monitoring load in struts used to brace deep excavations

-Measuring strain in tunnel linings and supports

-Monitoring areas of concentrated stress in pipes
-Monitoring distribution of load in pile tests (Uplift Loading Test.)

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

-LOAD CELLS
The load cell is used to measure applied load which provides accurate
measurements. It shall be connected to the data logger

-DISPLACEMENT TRANSDUCER
The measurement of settlement is made by displacement transducers
fixed to the frame and bearing on the top of the pile. Displacement
transducers shall have a precision of at least 0.1mm. A minimum of
two displacement transducers shall be mounted on the reference beams
approximately equidistant from the center of and on opposite sides of
the test pile with stems parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pile. The
uses of four displacement transducers mounted 900 apart is
recommended to compensate for lateral movement or rotation of pile
but due to eccentric loading.

-DATA AQUISITION SYSTEM

All the readings from the strain gauges, Load cells and Displacement
Transducers can be recorded by using a Data Logger at the required
intervels

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

Measure :
- Load distribution along the pile shaft
- Skin friction along Pile Shaft.
Vibrating Wire Strain gauges were of the concrete embedment type TES/5.5/T, Pre-Tensioned
and Sealed, Manufactured and Supplied by Gage Technique Ltd.
The vibrating wire strain gauge consists of a steel wire stretched between two end blocks which
are attached to the reinforcement cage. During the loading of the pile, change in length of the
wire alters the frequency of the output. The frequency can be measured using a datalogger.
The nature of the instrument dictates that it is used to measure changes in strain (i.e. change in
length per unit length). The gauges are designed for use in installations where they are cast
directly into the mass of the concrete structure.
Where a number of gauges are to be installed in a structural element it is essential that each
gauge and its associated cables are accurately and effectively identified. A permanent marking
system was adopted to ensure gauges can be identified throughout their working lifetime and its
information safely stored for future reference.

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

Strain Gauge Installation Photos

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

Static Loading Test
Static Load Test set up can be arranged in the following ways:

Load Applied to Pile by Hydraulic Jack(s) Acting

Against Anchored Reaction Frame
For the above setup sufficient numbers of anchor piles or
suitable anchoring device(s) are to be provided so as to
provide adequate reactive capacity and a clear distance from
the test pile at least 5 times the maximum diameter of the
largest anchor or test pile but not less than 2m .

Load Applied to Pile By Hydraulic Jack(s) Acting

Against a Weighted Box or Platform
For this setup a test beam(s) of sufficient size and strength
should be used to avoid excessive deflection under load
allowing sufficient clearance between the top of the test pile
or pile cap and the bottom(s) of the beam(s) after deflection
under load to accommodate the necessary bearing plates,
hydraulic jack(s) and load cell(s).

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

- Typical Results showing the Load Distribution and skin friction

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

- Typical Results showing the Load Distribution and skin friction( Static Uplift Test)

- Typical Results showing the Load Vs Settlement

STATIC LOADING TEST ON INSTRUMENTED PILES

RETRIEVABLE EXTENSOMETER

Retrievable Extensometer is designed primarily for short

term measurements of deformation in boreholes in concrete,
rock, etc. The system is used in both precast and cast-in
place concrete piles in plate load tests in rock and anywhere
where deformations need to be measurement in boreholes,
either drilled or cast in to the structure being analyzed
The system consists of pneumatically actuated anchors with
spring loaded transducers that are connected to another in
series by a single connecting road. When installed, the
anchors are fixed in place and the transducers measure the
deformation between the anchor positions.
The Data can be recorded using the Data Logger.

Static Lateral Loading Test

STATIC LATERAL LOAD TEST

Measure :
- Displacement of Laterally Loaded Pile
The actual lateral load capacity of the pile-soil system can be determined by lateral load
testing. Such testing measures the response of the pile-soil system to lateral loads.

INSTRUMENTS
- INCLINOMETER
An inclinometer for the full length of the pile shaft can be used so that lateral pile deflection at
any depth along the pile can be calculated. The inclinometer access tubes should be installed
prior to the installation of the pile. The access tube provides access for the inclinometer probe,
allowing it to obtain subsurface measurements and controls the orientation of the inclinometer
probe. Portable inclinometer probe is used to survey the casing. The probe is fully water proof,
incorporating two accelerometers housed in a stainless steel body. Accelerometers aligned at
right angles to each other enable displacement readings to be taken in two directions
simultaneously. The first survey establishes the initial profile of the casing. Subsequent
surveys reveal changes in the profile of the casing if movement has occurred

Test Method : - ASTM D 4622

STATIC LATERAL LOAD TEST

Portable Inclinometer Probes
Portable inclinometer probes are used to survey the casing. The first
survey establishes the initial profile of the casing. Subsequent surveys
reveal changes in the profile of the casing if movement has occurred.
The portable inclinometer probe is the standard device for surveying the
casing. It obtains a complete profile because it is drawn from the bottom
to the top of the casing. It is also economical, since it can be carried
from site to site.

Portable Readout or a Data Logger

Portable readout or a data logger, used to record the surveys. The
portable readout is used with the portable probe.

Displacement Transducers
Displacement transducers are used to measure lateral movement
of the pile head. Readings can be recorded using dataloggers

Biaxial Inclinometer System From SOIL INSTRUMENT U.K.

STATIC LATERAL LOAD TEST

Lateral loading Test on Steel Tubular Pile

STATIC LATERAL LOAD TEST

Presentation of the Result through Graphical Representation.

Bi Directional Loading Test

BI DIRECTIONAL STATIC LOAD TEST(O CELL)

Bi Directional Load Test
The bi directional load test jack is a sacrificial jack like device
installed within the foundation unit. The depth of jack within in
the pile is set according to the test programme requirements.
The jack is attached to the reinforcing steel cage or other
support structure to ensure its location and depth is located
precisely. After the concrete reaches a minimum strength, the
test may be started. Separation of the pile in to two elements is
induced by hydraulic pressure applied at the cell.
Instrumentation is included in each test pile for direct
measurement of jack expansion, shaft compression ,top of shaft
movements and strain distribution.

Applications
Bi-Directional load test can be performed on
Drilled shafts
Bored Piles
Caissons
Driven Piles
Barrettes
CFA Piles

Advantages
The Bidirectional load test does not require reaction beams or anchor
piles.
High loads can be applied to magnitudes not possible with any other
static test method.
Piles constructed with restricted access, Bidirectional load test
method may be the only option.
Bidirectional load test measures directly the upward upper skin
friction and downward end bearing and lower frictional resistance.

BI DIRECTIONAL STATIC LOAD TEST(O CELL)

Presentation of the Results
A p p lie d L o a d ( k N )
0

7 5 00

1 5 00 0

2 2 50 0

3 0 00 0

3 7 50 0

4 5 00 0

5 2 50 0

6 0 00 0

6 7 50 0

2 .0 0
19 40k N

- 2 .0 0

38 80k N
58 10k N
77 50k N

- 6 .0 0

96 90k N
11 630k N

-1 0.0 0

13 560k N
15 500k N

Pile Depth (m), DMD

-1 4.0 0

-1 8.0 0

-2 2.0 0

-2 6.0 0

-3 0.0 0

-3 4.0 0

-3 8.0 0

-4 2.0 0

-4 6.0 0

7 5 00 0

PILE TESTING AND INSTRUMENTATION DEPARTMENT

The End