When any pile, foundation, or anchoring and retaining methods are used, it is vital that they are tested to the highest standard, ensuring that everything is in order and the structure is safe to be built.
The testing of these engineering schemes is a very important part of the risk reduction process and all reputable and experienced contractors should ensure that installation and testing is carried out at import junctures in the process of building.
How is piling and foundations tested to ensure that everything is being built to the right standard?
- Integrity Testing
This type of testing is a low cost, quality control tool and is used to detect any defects that may be present along the pile shaft. They are typically carried out on 100% of piles on any project. The testing uses either sonic pulse echo or transient dynamic response methods to find even the slightest of defects and can even provide an estimation of the length of the pile.
- Dynamic Load Testing
This test uses a drop hammer to strike the top of the pile which can calculate the force and velocity at the pile top. Using stress wave theory, the measurements are analysed to predict the bearing capacity of that pile. With CAPWAP software, further computer analysis yields a variety of performance data including shaft resistance distribution, toe bearing and static load v deflection data. This test provides an economic alternative or supplementary to traditional static load testing and can be applied to all type of piles.
- Static Load Testing
This process identifies the measurement of load and deflection at the pile top. The load is applied by a grillage and kentledge system or by jacking against a reaction beam restrained by anchorage piles. This tests the tension as well as the compression measurements from the load cell and deflection gauges are recorded on a data logger where the information on load v deflection and load & deflection v time can be produced.
For Piling in Cheshire, visit Rhino Piling today for a quote.
