STRAINSTALL MIDDLE EAST L.L.

METHOD STATEMENT FOR PILE DYNAMIC TESTING

PROJECT: PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL TOWERS

ON PLOT NO. W-8 C37-1,CORNICHE ROAD, ABU DHABI.

Prepared for:
BAUER GEOTECHNICAL SPECIALIZED
FOUNDATION LLC
P.O: Box 43673
Tel 02 6721405, Fax 02 6725594
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Prepared by:

STRAINSTALL MIDDLE EAST LLC

Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1, PO Box 111007,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 880 4380, Fax; 04 8804381

Checked and Ref No. : D5360-B

Prepared by:
Authorized by: Rev. No. : 1
Moosan Kutty Dr. Anil Cherian Date of Submission : 01-08-2017
Reporting Technician Technical Manager

Total Pages : 11
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N TS

1.0 Scope ……………………………………………… 3

2.0 Significance and Use ……………………………………… 3

3.0 Apparatus ………………………………………………….. 4

4.0 Test Personnel …………………………………….………. 4

5.0 Test Procedure ……………………………………………. 4

6.0 Interpretation of Test Results ……………………………… 6

7.0 Test Report Requirements ………………………………… 6

8.0 Quality Control Procedures…………………………………… 7-8

9.0 Sketch of test equipment .... ………………………………… 9

Attachment - Risk Assessment

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1.0 SCOPE

This test method covers the procedure for High Strain Dynamic testing of piles as per
ASTM D4945-00 at the Proposed Residential and Commercial Towers on Plot No. W-8 C37-
1,Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi to determine the force and velocity response of the pile to an
impact force applied axially by a pile driving hammer of required capacity that will cause a large
strain impact to the top of the pile, at the platform level.

Pile details as follows:

PILE PILE PILE WORKING TEST CUT OFF TOE PILE DROP
NO. TYPE DIA. LOAD LOAD LEVEL LEVEL LENGTH HEIGHT
(mm) (KN) (KN) m (NADD) m (NADD) (m) (m)
101 P1 1000 11250 16875 -15.350 -42.000 26.65 0.8
193 P2 1200 13980 20970 -15.350 -42.000 26.65 1.0
200 P2 1200 13980 20970 -15.350 -42.000 26.65 1.0
229 P2 1200 13980 20970 -15.350 -42.000 26.65 1.0
263 P2 1200 13980 20970 -15.350 -42.000 26.65 1.0
288 P2 1200 13980 20970 -15.350 -42.000 26.65 1.0
232 P2A 1200 11870 17805 -15.350 -36.450 21.10 0.9
315 P2A 1200 11870 17805 -15.350 -36.450 21.10 0.9
163 P3 1500 18400 27600 -17.350 -44.000 26.65 1.4
167 P3 1500 18400 27600 -17.350 -44.000 26.65 1.4
346 P3 1500 18400 27600 -17.350 -44.000 26.65 1.4
358 P3 1500 18400 27600 -17.350 -44.000 26.65 1.4
364 P3 1500 18400 27600 -17.350 -44.000 26.65 1.4
104 P5 1200 13980 20970 -14.350 -41.000 26.65 1.0
208 P5 1200 13980 20970 -14.350 -41.000 26.65 1.0
382 P5 1200 13980 20970 -14.350 -41.000 26.65 1.0
245 P5A 1200 13980 20970 -14.350 -41.000 26.65 1.0
252 P5A 1200 13980 20970 -14.350 -41.000 26.65 1.0
204 P6 1000 11250 16875 -14.350 -41.000 26.65 0.8
308 P6 1000 11250 16875 -14.350 -41.000 26.65 0.8

2.0 SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

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 to the
pile 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

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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.

3.0 APPARATUS (calibration certificate will be submitted prior to the start of test)

The testing firm must supply the following testing equipment and instrumentation:

1. A shaft top cushion consisting of sheets of plywood to be applied on top of the pile to be
tested.
2. A driving system consisting of a drop weight suitable of generating a net measurable pile
penetration or an estimated mobilized static resistance in the bearing strata which exceeds to a
sufficient degree of the working load assigned to the pile as judged by the testing Engineer.
3. Hammer dropping device provided generally by the Contractor. Usually a mechanical crane of
sufficient capacity to carry the rammer system as per the testing Engineer instructions. It will
raise the hammer and drop freely and strike the pile.
4. Equipment to drill holes at pile circumference prior to inserting anchors in order to attach the
accelerometers and the strain gauges.
5. Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA manufactured by Pile Dynamics, Inc. Model PAL) installed with
the necessary software for signal transmission, recording, displaying and recording of the
measured data.
6. Strain transducers capable of independently measuring strain versus time at a specific location
along the pile axis during the impact event.
7. Acceleration transducers capable of measuring acceleration versus time which can be
integrated to velocity. These accelerometers shall be handled carefully and calibrated.

4.0 TEST PERSONNEL

The field testing is performed by an experienced technician.

The interpretation of records is performed by experienced engineer.
ORATORY
5.0 TEST PROCEDURE

5.0 General - Applicable project information shall be reviewed and recorded prior to test,
including soil boring logs, pile installation records and concrete properties.

5.1 Preparation of the Test Pile and Attaching the Transducers

Two sensors for strain and two accelerometers are connected to the side of the pile,
opposite to each other, using anchor bolts or mounting blocks with threaded holes.

Gages shall be attached by the testing Engineer to the exposed concrete or steel casing in a secure
manner as to prevent slippage under impact. The transducers shall be placed, diametrically
opposed and on equal radial distances, at the same axial distance from the bottom of the pile so

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that the measurements compensate for bending of the pile. When near the upper end, they shall
be attached at least one and one-half pile diameters from the pile head.

Apply plywood cushion and then striker plate to the shaft top. If reinforcing protrudes from the
shaft top, then the steel beam or pipe (used to transfer the impact to the shaft top) should be
secured in such a manner as not to move under impact.

5.2 Application of Blow

Position the hammer so that the force is applied axially and concentrically with the pile.
Set up the apparatus for recording, reducing, and displaying data so that it is operational and the
force and velocity signals are zeroed.

An initial blow shall be applied to the pile top to allow the testing Engineer to assess the testing
equipment, the driving system and pile stresses. If the desired testing load is not achieved,
subsequent impacts can then be applied by utilizing higher drop heights. The hammer shall be
lifted to the required level and release freely on the pile top.

5.3 Determination of Strain Wave Speed

The wave speed should be determined from the impact event if a tensile reflection wave
from the pile toe clearly identified. Alternatively, place the pile on supports or level ground free
and clear from neighboring piles and obstructions. Attach accelerometer to one end of the pile
and strike the other end of the pile with a sledge hammer of suitable weight. Take care not to
damage or dent the pile. Record and display the accelerometer signal and determine the wave
speed.

5.4 Data Quality Checks

For confirmations of data quality, the operator shall monitor the velocity and force from
several impact events for consistency. Consistent records are the result of uniform impacts on
sound concrete, strain and acceleration transducers that are firmly attached, and the apparatus for
recording, reducing, and displaying data properly functioning. If the signals are not in
proportionality agreement, investigate the cause and correct the situation if necessary.

5.5 Analysis of Measurements

5.5.1 Obtain force and velocity from the display apparatus. Record the impact force and velocity
and the maximum and minimum forces for the selected representative blows. Obtain the
maximum acceleration directly from the accelerometer signal or by differentiation of the velocity
versus time record. Obtain the displacement from the pile driving record, and from the
displacement transducer or by integration of the velocity versus time record. Obtain the
maximum energy transferred to the location of the transducers.

5.5.2 The recorded data is subjected to analysis in a computer. The results of the analysis
includes an assessment of integrity of the pile, the driving system performance, and the

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maximum dynamic driving stresses. The results may also be used for evaluation of static soil
resistance and its distribution on the pile at the time of the testing. Such further use of the data is
a matter of proper engineering judgment.
MATRIX LABORATORY
6.0 INTERPRETATION OF TEST RESULTS

Dynamic Pile Monitoring with the Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) and Dynamic Load
Testing with the PDA and CAPWAP (Case Pile Wave Analysis Program) are both High Strain
Dynamic Testing procedures. The pile driving hammers or drop
weight used to perform these tests cause high strains in the piles.

The Pile Driving Analyzer testing analyzers use wave propagation theory to compute
numerous variables that fully describe the condition of the hammer-pile-soil system in real time,
following each hammer impact. This approach allows immediate field verification of hammer
performance, driving efficiency, and an estimate of pile capacity.

The force is computed by multiplying the measured signals from a pair of strain
transducers attached near the top of the pile by the pile area and modulus. The velocity
measurement is obtained by integrating signals from a pair of accelerometers also attached near
the top of the pile. Strain transducers and accelerometers are connected to the Pile Driving
Analyzer, which internally performs all the necessary signal conditioning and processing to
obtain output results. Soil resistance computed by the PDA includes both static and viscous
components. The static component is a function of soil parameter called the Damping Factor,
which is related to soil grain size. The damping factor is an input to the PDA.

Another technique that evolved from Smith’s approach of modeling the wave propagation
theory of pile driving is the Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP). CAPWAP combines
field measurements (obtained with the PDA) and wave-equation type analytical procedures to
predict soil behavior including static-load capacity, soil resistance distribution, soil damping and
quake values, pile load versus movement plots, and pile soil load transfer characteristics. The
employment of PDA field measurements in conjunction with CAPWAP analysis defines what is
known as Dynamic Load Testing and estimates.

Wave propagation theory can also be applied to situations where a light impact is applied
to a pile, resulting in a low strain. A compression wave will still travel down the pile when it is
impacted by a small hand held hammer. Much like in High Strain Testing, this wave will travel at
a constant speed c. Changes in pile impedance Z produce wave reflections

7.0 TEST REPORT

- Project identification/location, and

- Identification (name and designation) of test pile(s),
- Working load and test load of the pile(s),
- Type and dimensions of pile(s) including nominal or actual cross sectional area, or both,
length and diameter.
- Date tested

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- Test pile identification,

- The length below sensors, cross sectional area, density, wave speed, and dynamic
modulus of elasticity of the test pile, etc.
- Penetration resistance (number of blows per unit penetration) during the test,
- Graphical presentation of velocity and force measurements in the time domain for
representative blow of each pile tested,
- Comments on the integrity of the pile

8.0 QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES

Quality Policy

Strainstall Middle East LLC is committed to continually improve its status as a highly respected
company in the field of load measurement and stress analysis in such a way

 To provide services that will address and satisfy our customer needs and expectations in
a cost effective way.
 Timely completion of job as per customer requirements.
 To train all personnel in the use of the Quality System to improve their competency.
 To establish a quality system in a minimum level to meet the requirement set out by the
ISO standard.

Quality Objectives:

1. To improve the customer satisfaction level.

2. To update the knowledge of the employees.
3. To continually improve the overall effectiveness of the organizational system through
reduction in non conformities / wastage.

These general objectives are made measurable to be achieved in a certain period of time. The
measurable are further broken down as targets / KPI at different functions and levels in the
organization as shown in Annexure II during the Management Review meeting. These objectives
and the time period of achievement are discussed and reviewed in the management review
meetings. M.R. ensures the communication of the objectives and facilitates the contribution of
each individual towards the continual improvement of the system.

Control of monitoring and measuring devices:

STRAINSTALL MIDDLE EAST L.L.C. controls the monitoring and measuring devices. These
instruments are calibrated by external agencies, which are capable of calibration and have
Traceability to Govt., Statutory and regulatory authorities.

Each instrument used is clearly identified by its serial number and name along with a status of
calibration indicating the date of calibration and due date for next calibration which enables the
user to know its status of fitness. This is mentioned on the tag attached/pasted to the instrument
wherever applicable.

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Each instrument is stored and preserved suitably satisfying the manufacturer’s advice. The
persons using these instruments handle the same with care to prevent them from getting damaged
or misused.

Personal Health and Safety Rules

Head Protection

Hardhats must be worn at all times while you are on the project.

Foot Protection

Approved footwear with sole protection must be worn at all times while you are on the
project.

Skin Protection

Appropriate work clothing must be worn when handling and using tools and materials
which may cause injuries to your skin.

Eye Protection

Face shields, goggles or glasses must be worn by workers and must be of a design to
afford suitable eye and face protection when:

1. Welding, burning or cutting with torches

2. Using abrasive wheels, portable grinders or files
3. Chipping concrete, stone or metal
4. Working with materials
5. Drilling or working under dusty conditions
6. Sand or water blasting
7. Waterproofing
8. Working on energized switchboards
9. Using explosive actuated fastenings or nailing tools
10. Working with compressed air or other gases
11. When working near any of the operations listed above
Clothing

For your protection on the job, DO NOT WEAR:

1. Loose clothing or cuffs

2. Greasy or oily clothing, gloves or boots
3. Torn or ragged clothing
4. Finger rings, bracelets or neck chains

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9.0. EQUIPMENT DETAILS

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CLIENT : PROJECT: PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL Piling/Testing Contractor: Consultant:
M/S Property TOWERS ON PLOT NO. W-8 C37-1, CORNICHE ROAD, Bauer Geotechnical Specialized ARCHGROUP
Management ABU DHABI Foundation LLC / Strainstall
Foundation Middle East LLC
Risk Assessment For PDA 11 May 2017 Page 2 of 2

Risk Assessment Key Likelihood Key Severity Key

Likelihood Severity Score Score Likelihood Score Severity
Score
1 2 3 4 5 5 Unlikely 1 No Injury, Low Financial Loss
5 4 May Happen 2 Minor, First Aid Treatment
4 3 Likely 3 Moderate, Medical Treatment
3 2 Very Likely 4 Major Injuries (LTI)
2 1 Certain 5 Fatal
1

SCORE PRIORITY FACTOR RATING

High Risks activities should cease immediately until further control measures to mitigate the risk are
16-25 HIGH (H)
introduced.
Medium Risks should only be tolerated for the short-term and then only whilst further control measures to mitigate
the risk are being planned and introduced, within a defined time period. Note: Medium risks can be an organizations
9-15 MEDIUM (M)
greatest risk, its Achilles heel, and this due to the fact that they can be tolerated in the short-term.

1-8 Low Risks are largely acceptable, subject to reviews periodically, or after significant change etc... LOW (L)

Risk Rating is calculated by multiplying the likelihood against the consequences, e.g. taking a likelihood of 4, which is classified as Probable, and multiplying this
against a consequence of 2, which is classified as a Minor Injury 1st aid required, would give you and overall risk rating of 8, which would be risk rated as a low
risk.
CLIENT : PROJECT: PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL Piling/Testing Contractor: Consultant:
M/S Property TOWERS ON PLOT NO. W-8 C37-1, CORNICHE ROAD, Bauer Geotechnical Specialized ARCHGROUP
Management ABU DHABI Foundation LLC / Strainstall
Foundation Middle East LLC
Risk Assessment For PDA 11 May 2017 Page 2 of 2

Risk Associated Hazard Persons affected Consequence Risk Residual Risk Responsibility
No. Assessment
Control Measures
L S R/R L S R/R
Fixing of Sensors
Workers/ Personnel not Workers including All appropriate PPE must be worn and supervisors
5 2 10 5 2 10 Strainstall
1 wearing PPE supervisors Physical injury make sure the PPE is issued and used correctly.

Injury due to the other Workers, The test pile area should be levelled and separate out
nearby working vehicles supervisors, visitors Physical injury from the other working area. 4 2 8
Piling
2 4 2 8 Area should be isolated
Contractor
Certified flagman should be deployed
Task briefing should be given
Testing and monitoring of pile

Crane/other lifting Workers, Physical Injury Proper inspection and certification of equipment/crane
equipment Supervisors, 2 4 8 has to be done before doing any kind of lifting. 2 4 8 Piling
3
malfunctioning while Instrument Task briefing should be given. Contractor
lifting the hammer
Crane/lifting tools/operator/rigger should be 3rd party
Check the equipment and Piling
certified
4 sensors before doing the Workers, Supervisor Physical Injury 2 5 10 2 5 10 Contractor/
Cables and readout unit should be protected properly
test. Strainstall
Instruments should be calibrated

Strainstall Middle East LLC

Assessed By: Operation manager Checked By: Technical Manager

Prasanth Kumar Dr.Anil Cherian