GEO DESIGNS &

RESEARCH PVT. LTD.

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 relevant forces 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 below.

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 pile.
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. Geo Designs & Research Pvt. Ltd.
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

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Optional Information
Pile Installation Record showing
- 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

CAPW AP (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, CAPW AP 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. CAPW AP completes the Dynamic Load testing procedure and
simulates a Static Load Test.

4.0 Reporting

The final report shall be presented within 8 to 10 working days of completion of testing
and shall include the following.

Introduction
Overview
Equipment Details

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Methodology CAPW
AP Analysis
Discussion of Results
Conclusions

A complete CAPW AP 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

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 GEO DESIGNS &
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SKETCH SHOWING SETUP DETAILS
FOR DYNAMIC PILE TEST

Single line of crane or trip

mechanism

Drop Hammer for free fall

Hammer (1-2% of test load or 7-10%
of the dead weight of the
pile whichever is higher)

Fall Height = 0.5 - 3m

Steel helmet (30mm tk.)

Plywood cushions (30mm tk.)

Gauges fixed below

Steel guide 4mm thick to
at approx. 1.5 times
resist stresses (optional)
Pile Dia.

Re-built portion from sound

Dia. = Dia. of Pile + 75mm concrete level or sound &
smooth concrete
450
Steel liner welded
mm
round the periphery Gauges fixed onto pile after
of steel plate cutting window 300mm x 300mm
through steel casing
Steel Helmet (30mm tk)

Sound concrete level

NOTE: GUIDE FOR HAMMER NOT SHOWN IN SKETCH AND MAY BE FABRICATED
AS PER ENGINEER DESIGN IF REQUIRED.