Dynamic Load Test: Motion or Acceleration Transducer
Dynamic Load Test: Motion or Acceleration Transducer
The ultimate strength of each pile must fulfill the structural and geotechnical limits for a safe
foundation to perform as required. A pile load test is a direct method of determining the
ultimate geotechnical capacity of the pile. Dynamic load testing with the aid of Pile Dynamic
Analyzer (PDA) is a fast and reliable way to evaluate the bearing capacity of the pile. This
testing can help you pick up the right pile type that can withstand the strains on the pile
during driving and gives cautious if the pile driving reaches its required length thus avoiding
unnecessary long piles. It also provides information about structural integrity, driving
stresses, and hammer efficiency. If a dynamic load test is out of the equation, then a static
load test can be performed
The load at which settlement continues to increases without any further increase of load.
The load beyond which there is an increase in net settlement disproportionate to the increase in load.
To test the load, a minimum load applied during the test will be equal to 1.5 times the
working load. So it is important to identify the working load of the pile into consideration.
Integrity test for cast-in-place concrete and pre-cast concrete with low strain method and
ultrasonic method provides acceleration and velocity. The primary shockwave which travels
down the length of the pile is reflected from the toe by the change in density between the
concrete and the substrate. However, any discontinuities and defects encountered within its
length will be reflected and added to the return signal. A hammer is used for impacting the
pile head and should be applied vertically with the pile. Several impacts are applied on the
top of the pile and the echoes are then being recorded for each individual impact by the use
of motion or acceleration transducer. This apparatus will provide signal conditioning and
integrate acceleration to obtain the velocity.
Since Integrity Test uses echoes or sounds to measure the pile discontinuities,
accelerations, and velocities, it does not provide any information regarding the pile bearing
capacity like the dynamic and static load test are capable of. It limits in evaluating the
section of the piles that are below the cracks that cross into the entire pile cross section. It is
always recommended that experienced professionals specialized in piling should handle
this type of testing.