RAMMED AGGREGATE PIER®

CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY CONTROL

PROCEDURES FOR THE IMPACT® SYSTEM

USING FLOW RESTRICTORS

Brendan T. FitzPatrick, P.E.

Brian C. Metcalfe, P.E.
Kord J. Wissman, Ph.D., P.E.

October 2008

150 Fairview Rd
Suite 335
Mooresville, NC 28117

p: 704.799.3185 f: 704.799.3235
www.geopier.com
INTRODUCTION

Copyright © 2008, GFC, Mooresville, NC

Successful construction of Rammed Aggregate Pier (RAP) soil reinforcement solutions
using the Impact® system with flow restrictors (i.e. chains) requires that the Impact
system designer, installer, geotechnical engineer’s representative and/or construction
testing/inspection agency be familiar with the means and methods of Impact pier
construction and quality control procedures. This manual provides guidelines for
construction, Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) for the Impact system
using flow restrictors (Impact-R).

This manual is divided into seven sections for quick reference. The sections are:

Section 1 – Definition of Terms

Section 2 – Reference Standards
Section 3 – Aggregate
Section 4 – Impact-R Pier Testing
Section 5 – Impact-R Pier Quality Control Package
Section 6 – Impact-R Pier Layout
Section 7 – Impact-R Pier Construction

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS ....................................................................... p. 5-6

SECTION 2. REFERENCE STANDARDS ................................................ p. 8-9

SECTION 3. AGGREGATE ....................................................................... p. 11

SECTION 4. TESTING OF IMPACT® PIERS

WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS ............................................. p. 13-23

SECTION 5. QUALITY CONTROL PACKAGE FOR IMPACT® PIERS

WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS .............................................. p. 25-26

SECTION 6. LAYOUT OF IMPACT® PIERS WITH

FLOW RESTRICTORS ......................................................... p. 28-29

SECTION 7. CONSTRUCTION OF IMPACT® PIERS WITH

FLOW RESTRICTORS ........................................................ p. 31-37

APPENDIX A – Field Charts for Estimating Volume of Aggregate p. 39-40

3
SECTION 1 – DEFINITIONS

4
1.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.1 Impact® with flow restrictors (or Impact-R) Elements: Columnar aggregate
elements created using Geopier Foundation Company’s proprietary displacement
and high energy ramming methods to reinforce soft and weak soils. Flow
restriction is provided through a ring of chains attached to the bottom of the
mandrel that aid in compaction.

1.2 Impact-R Pier Design Documents: Impact-R Pier Design Documents include the
project geotechnical report, the foundation loading plan, utility and site grading
plans, the Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings, Impact-R Pier Specifications, and (by
reference) the Impact-R Pier Quality Control Procedures.

1.3 Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings: The Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings show the
locations, details, and lengths of the Impact-R piers.

1.4 Impact-R Pier Designer: The Impact-R Pier Designer (Designer) is the engineer
who designed the Impact-R system for the project. The Designer is an
authorized agent of Geopier Foundation Company, Inc. (GFC) and prepares
Impact-R Pier Design Documents and Impact-R Pier RAP Shop Drawings.

1.5 Impact-R Pier Installer: The Impact-R Pier Installer (Installer) is a contractor
licensed to install the Impact-R system in accordance with the Impact-R Pier
Design Documents and Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings.

1.6 Impact-R Pier Control Technician: The Impact-R Pier Control Technician
(CT) is responsible to the Installer and Designer for observing Impact-R Pier
construction activities to verify that they are in accordance with the Impact-R Pier
Design Documents and Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings. The CT Representative
may be an employee of the Installer, or may be an independent agent, hired by
the Installer or Designer.

1.7 Geotechnical Engineer: The Geotechnical Engineer is typically the design

professional who prepared the geotechnical engineering report for the project.

5
1.8 Quality Assurance (QA) Representative: The QA representative is often the
geotechnical engineer or their technician who is responsible to the owner,
general contractor, or other designated agent for independent monitoring and
inspection during Impact-R Pier construction activities.

6
 SECTION 2
REFERENCE STANDARDS

7
2.0 REFERENCE STANDARDS

2.1 Lawton, E.C., Fox, N.S., and Handy, R.L. “Control of Settlement and Uplift of
Structures Using Short Aggregate Piers.” ASCE. Proceedings of In-Situ Deep
Soil Improvement. ASCE National Convention, Atlanta, Georgia. October 9-13,
1994.
2.2 Lawton, E.C. and Fox, N.S. “Settlement of Structures Supported on Marginal or
Inadequate Soils Stiffened with Short Aggregate Piers.” ASCE. Geotechnical
Special Publication No. 40: Vertical and Horizontal Deformations of Foundations
and Embankments, ASCE 2, 962-974.
2.3 Fox, N.S. and Cowell, M. 1998. Geopier Reference Manual. Published by
Geopier Foundation Company, Inc., Mooresville, NC.
2.4 Wissmann, K.J., Lawton, E.C., and Farrell, T.M. 1999. “Behavior of Geopier-
Supported Foundation Systems During Seismic Events.” Technical Bulletin No.
1. Geopier Foundation Company, Inc., Mooresville, NC
2.5 Wissmann, K.J. 1999. “Bearing Capacity of Geopier-Supported Foundation
Systems.” Technical Bulletin No. 2. Geopier® Foundation Company, Inc.,
Mooresville, NC.
2.6 Wissmann, K.J., Caskey, J.M., and FitzPatrick, B.T. 2001. “Geopier® Uplift
Resistance.” Technical Bulletin No. 3. Geopier® Foundation Company, Inc.,
Mooresville, NC.
2.7 Wissmann, K.J., FitzPatrick, B.T., and Lawton, E.C. 2001. “Geopier® Lateral
Resistance.” Technical Bulletin No. 4. Geopier® Foundation Company, Inc.,
Mooresville, NC.
2.8 Wissmann, K.J., Moser, K., and Pando, M.A. 2001. "Reducing Settlement Risks
in Residual Piedmont Soils Using Rammed Aggregate Pier Elements.”
Proceedings, ASCE Specialty Conference. Blacksburg, VA. June 9-13.
2.9 Minks, A.G., Wissmann, K.J., Caskey, J.M., and Pando, M.A. 2001. “Distribution
of Stresses and Settlements Below Floor Slabs Supported by Rammed
Aggregate Piers.” Proceedings, 54th Canadian Geotechnical Conference.
Calgary, Alberta. September 16-19.
2.10 FitzPatrick, B.T. and Wissmann, K.J. 2002. “Geopier® Shear Reinforcement for
Global Stability and Slope Stability.” Technical Bulletin No. 5. Geopier®
Foundation Company, Inc., Mooresville, NC.
2.11 Hall, K., Wissmann, K.J., Caskey, J.M., and FitzPatrick, B.T. 2002. “Soil
Reinforcement Used to Arrest Bearing Capacity Failure at Steel Mill.”
Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Ground Improvement
Techniques. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. March 26-28.
2.12 FitzPatrick, B.T., Wissmann, K.J., and White, D.J. 2003. “Settlement Control for
Embankments and Transportation-Related Structures Using Geopier® Soil

8
 Reinforcement.” Technical Bulletin No. 6. Geopier® Foundation Company, Inc.,
Mooresville, NC.
2.13 Miller, J., FitzPatrick, B.T. and Wissmann, K.J. 2004. “Seismic Site Class
Improvements using Geopier soil reinforcement.” Technical Bulletin No. 7.
Geopier Foundation Company, Inc., Mooresville, NC.
2.14 FitzPatrick, B.T. and Wissmann, K.J. 2005. “Support of Storage Tanks using
Rammed Aggregate Piers.” Technical Bulletin No. 8, Geopier Foundation
Company, Inc., Mooresville, NC
2.15 FitzPatrick, B.T. and Wissmann, K.J. 2006. “Vibration and Noise Levels.”
Technical Bulletin No. 9, Geopier Foundation Company, Inc., Mooresville, NC.

The following ASTM Standards are used as guidelines:

ASTM D-1143 – Pile Load Test Procedures

ASTM-D-3689 – Uplift Load Test
ASTM D-1241 – Aggregate Quality
ASTM STP 399 – Dynamic Penetrometer Testing
ASTM D-422 – Gradation Soils

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SECTION 3 – AGGREGATE

10
3.0 AGGREGATE

3.1 Open-graded Aggregate: Aggregate used for Impact-R Pier construction shall
consist of open-graded (uniform particle size) with a maximum nominal particle
size of 1.5 inches and minimum nominal particle size of 0.5-inches (i.e. No.57
stone or other stone) selected by the Installer and used successfully in flow tests
and the modulus test. To facilitate construction in soft or loose soils, maximum
particle size aggregate of up to 2 inches or larger may be used provided the flow
of the aggregate is verified at the site with flow tests, the performance is verified
with the modulus test and the Designer approves the type and gradation of the
aggregate.

3.2 Well-graded Aggregate: Well-graded aggregate (i.e. Type I Grade B or other)

shall not be used for Impact-R Pier installations unless specifically approved by
the Designer and performance is verified in the field through flow tests and
modulus tests.

3.3 Alternative Aggregates: Occasionally, alternative types of aggregate will be

used to construct Impact-R Piers. Types of aggregates may include sand,
recycled concrete or aggregate containing grout or concrete mixtures. When
alternative aggregates are used for Impact-R Pier construction, special
provisions and requirements for aggregate quality and construction will be
provided by the Designer.

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 SECTION 4
TESTING OF IMPACT® PIERS
WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS

12
4.0 TESTING OF IMPACT® PIERS WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS

The tests performed to verify that Impact-R Pier construction is proceeding in

accordance with the design intent include: Probe Pier Installations, Flow Tests,
Crowd Stabilization Tests, Volume Usage Checks, Modulus Tests, and Uplift
Tests. Impact-R Pier testing is the primary responsibility of the CT
Representative and should be coordinated with the Installer and QA
Representative. When test results are in question, or yield unexpected data, the
Designer should be notified immediately.

4.1 Probe Pier Installations: The Installer shall install a minimum of two initial
“probe piers” to provide project-specific construction procedures prior to installing
production piers. The probe pier installations should be consistent with the
proposed project-specific installation procedures. The installation of the Probe
Piers shall be observed and the details recorded by the Quality Control
representative. At a minimum, the specific details shall include the items
specified in Section 7.4.1 (Daily Quality Control Reports). Volume checks as
discussed in Section 4.4 shall be performed to verify the constructed diameter of
the pier.

4.2 Flow Rate Tests: The Installer shall perform at least one flow rate test during the
probe pier installations to verify the adequacy of the aggregate flow from the
mandrel. The results of the flow rate tests shall be used to confirm the raising
rate of the mandrel during installation (typically 5 seconds per foot). Flow rate
procedures and observation guidelines are provided below:

- Push mandrel to a sufficient depth to fill hopper with aggregate.

- Fill hopper with aggregate.

- Withdraw (lift) mandrel out of the ground so the tamper head is approximately
3 feet above the ground surface and begin to record the time to discharge

13
 remaining aggregate in the hopper to the ground surface. Measure the
volume of aggregate discharged to the ground surface as indicated below. .

- Calculate the flow rate of aggregate. Aggregate flow rates shall be made by
measuring the amount of aggregate displaced from the hopper over a
particular time period to determine the volume per time (i.e. ft3/second) of
aggregate displaced from the hopper.

- The volume of aggregate discharged at the ground surface may be

approximated using the following relationship for a cone of aggregate:

2
πh(dbase )
Vaggregate − unused =
12
where:
dbottom = diameter of unused aggregate pile
h = height of unused aggregate pile (cone)

The maximum mandrel raise rate (seconds per foot) may be determined using
the flow rate recorded, a displaced cavity volume of 1.1 cubic feet per foot (14-
inch diameter cavity) of mandrel extraction, and a factor of safety of 2. The
maximum lift rate (in seconds per foot of withdrawal) may be determined as
follows:
3
2.2 ft × Flow Test Time (sec)
ft
Mandrel Lift Rate =
Flow Test Volume ( ft 3 )

The lift rate should not exceed 5 seconds per foot unless approved by the
Designer. If poor flow rate or if discontinuous flow (for example necking of the
aggregate inside the mandrel) is observed, an alternative aggregate gradation or
a flow enhancer such as air or water should be considered.

14
 - Hammer operations and flow enhancers (compressed air or water) within the
mandrel shall be used if deemed necessary by the Installer and/or Designer
to provide a constant, uniform flow of aggregate. This operation should be
consistent with the proposed installation process of production piers.

- The rate of water flow or compressed air pressure (if applicable) shall be
noted for implementation during production pier installation.

4.3 Crowd Stabilization Tests (CST)

Crowd Stabilization Tests shall be performed during the installations of probe

piers and the modulus test pier to establishing quality control criteria during
construction of the production Impact-R elements. The Crowd Stabilization Tests
shall be performed in general conformance with the following procedures:

- The impact energy of the hammer shall be turned off after completion of a
compacted lift at a depth specified by the Designer.

- A reference mark shall be made on the mandrel.

- Crowd pressure from the installation machine shall be applied to the top of the
compacted lift of aggregate.

- The vertical mandrel movement at the maximum crowd pressure shall be

recorded.

- The maximum crowd pressure shall be applied for an additional 15 seconds

following the initial crowd pressure readings. The duration of the test shall be
determined by the Designer.

Crowd Stabilization Tests shall be performed on the first five production Impact-R
piers and at a frequency thereafter to be determined by the Designer. The
frequency of the CSTs shall be based on the results of the CSTs performed during
the probe pier and modulus test pier installations. The frequency shall not be less
than 10% of the production elements. The depth at which the CSTs are performed

15
 shall be based on the results of the probe piers and modulus test pier installations
and shall be determined by the Designer.

4.4 Aggregate Volume Usage:

For probe piers and production piers, the volume of aggregate used during pier
installations shall be measured. The average constructed diameter of the pier
shall be determined based on the net volume of aggregate and the Impact-R Pier
installation depth.

For solid mandrel installations, the net volume of aggregate is equivalent to the
volume of aggregate added to the mandrel and hopper during the Impact-R Pier
installation less the cone of unused aggregate left at the top of the pier following
installation. The volume of the unused aggregate cone may be estimated using
the following approach or estimated using field charts (Attachment A):
2
πh(d base )
Vaggregate −unused =
12
where:
dbottom = diameter of unused aggregate pile at top of cone
h = height of unused aggregate pile (cone)

The average constructed diameter of the pier shall be determined from the
following relationship and is based on the net volume of stone and the installation
depth.

4 * Vaggregate 12 inches
Davg .constructed = x
πL foot
where:
Davg .constructed = average constructed diameter of the pier (in.)
Vaggregate = Net volume of aggregate used to construct the pier (cu. ft.)
L = Total length of constructed pier (ft)
π = 3.142

4.5 Modulus Test: The purpose of the modulus test is to measure the applied stress
versus deflection behavior of a representative Rammed Aggregate Pier. If there

16
 are only a limited number of piers needed on a project, the modulus test may be
waived at the discretion of the Designer and Geopier Foundation Company.

4.5.1 Location: The modulus test pier is typically installed at a location on the site
where soil conditions appear to be the loosest/softest, as indicated in the
approved Impact-R Pier Design Documents and based on the project
geotechnical report. The proposed location of the test pier should be
discussed with the Geotechnical Engineer.

4.5.2 Telltale: One telltale assembly, consisting of sleeved telltale rod(s), shall be
installed at the maximum installation depth to measure bottom-of-pier
deflections. Acceptable Rammed Aggregate Pier response is generally
indicated when the telltale deflection is not more than 33% of the top of pier
deflection at the design stress level unless otherwise approved by the
Designer and Geopier Foundation Company.

4.5.3 Impact-R Pier Construction Testing during Modulus Test Pier Installation:
Crowd Stabilization Tests shall be performed during construction near the
bottom, middle and top of the modulus test Impact-R pier. In addition,
Volume Usage Checks shall be performed. The Volume Usage Check results
for the modulus test Impact-R pier will serve as the site specific reference for
anticipated pier volumes. The Designer shall be notified if the average
constructed diameter of any production Impact-R piers are less than 90% of
the modulus test pier diameter.

4.5.4 Modulus Test Procedures: The modulus test shall be performed in general
accordance with ASTM D-1143 with the modifications outlined in the Impact-
R Pier Design Documents and Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings and those
generally outlined below, including load increments, load durations, and load
decrements.

17
4.5.5 Maximum Test Load: The maximum load applied is equal to 150% of the
maximum top of Impact-R Pier stress, as determined by the Designer.

4.5.6 Load Duration:

4.5.6.1 With the exception of the load increment representing approximately

115% of the design maximum top of Rammed Aggregate Pier stress and
the rebound load increments, all load increments shall be held for a
minimum of 15 minutes and until the rate of deflection is less than 0.01
inch per hour, or for a maximum duration of 1 hour.

4.5.6.2 The load increment that represents approximately 115% of the design
maximum stress on the Rammed Aggregate Pier shall be held for a
minimum of 60 minutes and until the rate of deflection is less than 0.01
inches per hour or less, or for a maximum duration of 4 hours.

4.5.6.3 The rebound load increments shall be held for a minimum of 5 minutes.

4.5.7 Reporting: The field results of modulus testing should be provided by the
Installer to the Designer at the end of test. The Designer will prepare a
modulus test report and submit it to the General Contractor and Geopier
Foundation Company. The modulus test report prepared by the Installer and
provided to the Designer shall include: a pier sketch, pier length, installation
procedure (raising and lowering sequence), pressure gauge readings, Crowd
Stabilization Test results with depth, average constructed pier diameter based
on Volume Usage Checks, nearest Boring and any other notable information
related to the modulus test pier installation or testing. Figure 1 provides an
example modulus test form.

4.5.8 Examples: An example of a compression modulus test set-up is shown in

Figure 2.

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4.6 Uplift Test: When uplift Impact-R piers are required on a project, an uplift test
shall be performed by the Installer if indicated in the Impact-R Pier Design
Documents. If there are only a limited number of uplift Impact-R piers needed on
a project, the uplift test may be waived at the discretion of the Designer and
Geopier Foundation Company.

4.6.1 Location: The Impact-R uplift test pier is typically installed at a location on the
site where soil conditions appear to be the loosest/softest, as indicated in the
approved Impact-R Pier Design Documents and based on the project
geotechnical report. Alternatively the uplift test may be installed in a location
near the highest concentration of production uplift Impact-R piers at the
discretion of the Designer. The proposed location of the test pier should be
discussed with the Geotechnical Engineer.

4.6.2 Impact-R Pier Construction Testing during Uplift Test Pier Installation: Crowd
Stabilization Tests shall be performed during construction near the bottom,
middle and top of the uplift test Impact-R pier. In addition, Volume Usage
Checks shall be performed. The Volume Usage Check results for the
modulus test Impact-R pier will serve as the site specific reference for
anticipated pier volumes. The Designer shall be notified if the average
constructed diameter of any production Impact-R piers are less than 90% of
the modulus test pier diameter.

4.6.3 Uplift Test Procedures: The uplift test procedure is based on portions of
ASTM D-3687. ASTM D-3687 is used as a guide to establish load
increments, load duration, and load decrements.

4.6.4 Maximum Test Load: The maximum load applied is usually equal to 200%
of the design Impact-R Pier uplift capacity, as determined by the Designer.

4.6.5 Load Duration:

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 4.6.5.1 With the exception of the load increment representing approximately
150% of the allowable Rammed Aggregate Pier design uplift load and the
rebound load increments, all load increments shall be held for a minimum
of 15 minutes, a maximum of 1 hour, and until the rate of deflection
reduces to 0.01 inch per hour, or less.

4.6.5.2 The load increment that represents approximately 150% of the allowable
Rammed Aggregate Pier design uplift load shall be held for a minimum of
60 minutes, a maximum of 4 hours and until the rate of deflection reduces
to 0.01 inches per hour or less.

4.6.5.3 The rebound load increments shall be held for a minimum of 5 minutes.

4.6.5.4 Alternate load testing durations for the uplift test may be implemented on a
project-specific basis upon approval by the Designer and Geopier
Foundation Company.

4.6.6 Reporting: The field results of uplift testing should be provided by the
Installer to the Designer at the end of test. The Designer will prepare a
modulus test report and submit it to the General Contractor and Geopier
Foundation Company. The uplift test report prepared by the Installer and
provided to the Designer shall include: a pier sketch, pier length, installation
procedure (raising and lowering sequence), pressure gauge readings, Crowd
Stabilization Test results with depth, average constructed pier diameter based
on Volume Usage Checks, nearest Boring and any other notable information
related to the uplift test pier installation or testing.

4.6.7 Examples: An example of an uplift test set-up is shown in Figure 3.

20
Figure 1 – Sample Modulus Test Form

21
 13'-0"
6'-6"
Steel Plate

Uplift Anchor Rod

W-Beam Steel Plate

100 Ton Jack Pedestal

Anchor Pier Anchor Pier

Load Test Pier

(Compression)

Figure 2 – Typical Modulus Test Setup

22
 13'-0"
6'-6"

W-Beam

100 Ton Jack

Uplift Geopier
Element W-Beam

Cribbing

Compression Geopier
Element

Load Test Pier

(Uplift)

Figure 3– Typical Uplift Test Setup

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 SECTION 5
QUALITY CONTROL PACKAGE FOR
IMPACT® PIERS
WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS

24
5.0 QUALITY CONTROL PACKAGE FOR IMPACT® PIERS WITH FLOW
RESTRICTORS

The Designer will make the following information available to the CT and QA
Representatives either by way of the project design submittals and/or a Quality
Control Package for use by the CT and QA Representatives during Impact-R Pier
construction activities:

5.1 Drawings: The date of the structural foundation and/or civil site grading drawings
used in the preparation of the Impact-R Pier Design and Impact-R Pier Shop
Drawings.

5.2 Material Descriptions:

5.2.1 A generalized description of the subsurface material expected to be

encountered during Impact-R Pier installations.

5.2.2 A description of subsurface materials that are expected to be

encountered at the maximum installation depths (particularly if piers are
installed to tag a particular layer).

5.2.3 A description of materials identified by the geotechnical exploration that

may be a problem. (ie: fill materials, buried debris, significant changes
in stratigraphy)

5.3 Geotechnical Data: This information will include copies of all appropriate soil
boring logs and a boring location plan which shows the location of the soil
borings with reference to the building footprint.

5.4 Modulus Test Schedule: When required, the Designer will prepare the Modulus
Test Schedule in accordance with the procedures described in Section 4.2, and
include this information in the QC Package.

25
5.5 Uplift Test Schedule: When required, the Designer will prepare the Uplift
Test Schedule in accordance with procedures described in Section 4.3, and
include this information in the QC Package.

26
 SECTION 6
LAYOUT OF IMPACT® PIERS
WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS

27
6.0 LAYOUT OF MPACT® PIERS WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS

6.1 Coordination: Unless otherwise directed, the layout of Impact-R piers in the field
is the responsibility of the General Contractor, or a surveyor hired by the General
Contractor. The CT Representative should visually determine that Impact-R Pier
layout is consistent with the information in the Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings.

6.2 Current Structural Foundation/Civil Site Grading Plans: Prior to the beginning of
Impact-R Pier installations, the CT representative should verify the date of the
structural foundation and/or civil site grading plans used in preparation of the
Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings with the General Contractor.

6.3 Building Pad Elevations: Prior to the beginning of construction, the CT

Representative should verify the building pad elevation with the General
Contractor. The elevation should accurately reflect the subgrade elevation that
will exist during Impact-R Pier installations for the project.

6.4 Elevations at Footing Elevations: The CT Representative should verify the

subgrade elevation at every footing location during Impact-R Pier installations.
When the subgrade elevation at a particular footing location is different for the
overall building pad elevation, this information should be noted, and Impact-R
Pier installation depths adjusted accordingly. When subgrade elevations vary
across the building pad, this information should be coordinated with the QA
Representative to avoid confusion.

6.5 Adjusting Impact-R Pier Locations: Impact-R piers should be located within
6-inches of the locations shown on the Impact-R pier Shop Drawings. If it is
required to adjust the locations of Impact-R piers in the field, the Designer should
be notified immediately.

6.6 Mis-location of Impact-R piers: When it is suspected that Impact-R piers have
been mis-located in the field, the CT must notify the General Contractor
immediately upon discovery. The General Contractor must verify pier locations
before the Installer proceeds further with pier installations. If mis-located Impact-
R piers are discovered after installations, additional Impact-R piers should be

28
installed in the area of the correct locations. If mislocated Impact-R piers are
encountered or conflicts arise, the Designer should be notified immediately so
that an alternate solution may be proposed and approved under the direction of
the Impact-R pier Designer.

29
 SECTION 7
CONSTRUCTION OF IMPACT® PIERS
WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS

30
7.0 CONSTRUCTION OF IMPACT® PIERS WITH FLOW RESTRICTORS

7.1 Impact-R Pier Installation Requirements:

7.1.1 Impact-R piers should be installed within 6-inches of the plan locations shown
on the Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings.

7.1.2 Impact-R Pier installation depths (elevations) should be installed to no

shallower than 3-inches from the depths (elevations) indicated in the Impact-
R Pier Design unless approved by the Designer.

7.1.3 Top of Impact-R piers should be installed no less than 6-inches higher than
the bottom of footing elevations indicated in the Impact-R Pier Design and
Impact-R Pier Shop Drawings.

7.2 Conditions Encountered During Impact-R Pier Installation

7.2.1 The CT and QA Representative should perform continuous verification of the

response of the mandrel during Impact-R Pier installation. The Geotechnical
Data contained in the Quality Control Package (described in Section 5.5)
should be referenced often during Impact-R Pier installations to ensure that
the subsurface conditions encountered during Impact-R Pier installation do
not vary significantly from those assumed for design, or from the soil boring
logs (specifically related to conditions near the maximum installation depth. If
unexpected subsurface conditions are encountered, the Designer
should be notified immediately.

7.2.2 If conditions are encountered during installation that are significantly different
from those shown in the Geotechnical Data included in the Quality Control
Package, the Impact-R Pier Design may need to be modified to account for
the difference. The Designer shall be contacted immediately for instructions,
which may include modifying the installation depths of the Impact-R Piers.
The instructions are the sole responsibility of the Designer and Geopier
Foundation Company.

31
 7.2.3 If bedrock or refusal is encountered at depths shallower than required from
the Impact-R Pier Design, the Impact-R Pier may be terminated on the
bedrock or refusing layer provided the Designer is notified and approves the
revised approach.

7.2.4 The Designer shall be notified if buried obstructions are encountered that
prohibit the installation of the Impact-R Pier with the tolerable limits of the
planned location as determined from the project specifications. If it is
determined that the buried obstruction(s) need to be removed, then the
designer shall discuss with the design team the type of soil backfill and the
required degree of compactive effort for the excavation backfill materials that
after installation of the Impact-R Pier shall be in conformance with the Impact-
R Pier and project design criteria.

7.3 Impact-R Pier Construction:

7.3.1 Installation Procedures

A. The Impact-R mandrel contains a ring of chains at the bottom of the mandrel.
The chains act to restrict upward flow when driving the mandrel downward.
During raising, the chains release and allow downward flow of aggregate.
Figure 4 shows a picture of the ring of chains.

Figure 4: Impact Pier Flow Restrictors (i.e. ring of chains)

32
B. Although a sacrificial plate may be placed at the bottom of the mandrel prior
to installation to prevent the build-up of soils within the mandrel, the Impact-R
mandrel with flow restrictors may be used without a sacrificial plate provided
probe tests confirm clogging does not occur. Prior to driving the mandrel, a
small pile of aggregate should be placed over the pier location. The Impact-R
mandrel shall then be driven down over the aggregate pile.

C. The mandrel (and sacrificial head if used) shall then be pushed (and driven as
necessary) to the design depth as indicated on the Impact-R Pier Shop
Drawings and the Impact-R Pier Design.

D. Aggregate shall then be placed into the mandrel and hopper.

E. The mandrel shall generally be raised 3 feet at a constant rate determined

from the flow rate tests. Alternative mandrel lift heights shall be permitted
upon approval from the Designer and Geopier Foundation Company. The
time required to raise the mandrel shall not be less than 5 seconds per foot
unless verified by flow rate tests and approved by the Designer and Geopier
Foundation Company.

F. While raising the mandrel, the hammer shall be operated and water or
compressed air allowed to flow through the mandrel to enhance aggregate
flow as determined during the Probe Pier installations. Water flow (when
applicable) shall be discontinued when the mandrel reaches the top of the
approved raise height.

G. The mandrel shall then be driven downward using impact and crowd driving
force such that an approximate one-foot thick compacted lift of aggregate is
constructed.

H. Hydraulic pressures measuring the amount of applied crowd pressure may be

recorded during the driving of the mandrel. These pressures may be
recorded on an automatic data recorder or by the CT representative.

I. The mandrel shall then be raised to the 3 foot lift height (or other approved
height) at a rate consistent with the results from the flow rate tests (or

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 approved by the Designer and Geopier Foundation Company, where
applicable).

J. While raising the mandrel, the hammer shall be operated and water or
compressed air allowed to flow through the mandrel to enhance aggregate
flow as determined during the Probe Pier installations. Water flow (when
applicable) shall be discontinued when the mandrel reaches the top of the
approved raise height.

K. The mandrel shall then be driven downward using impact and crowd driving
force such that an approximate one-foot thick compacted lift of aggregate is
constructed.

L. Steps G through I shall be repeated until the pier is constructed to the top of
pier elevation.

M. The top of the constructed Impact-R Pier shall be preloaded by shutting the
hammer off and applying full crowd pressure to the top of the pier.

N. At completion of the Impact-R Pier installation, the remaining stone in the

mandrel and hopper shall be emptied and the net aggregate volume of the
constructed Impact-R Pier shall be recorded. Recommended procedures are
presented in Section 4.4.

7.3.2 When Impact-R Piers are constructed in soft or loose soils that contain a high
percentage of fine grained soil, excess pore-water pressure generation may
result in Crowd Stabilization Tests that result in little to marginal resistance
during the short-term, undrained loading condition. The Designer shall be
contacted for further instruction.

7.3.3 Uplift Anchors: The CT Representative should verify that uplift anchors are
installed at the locations and orientations shown in the Impact-R Pier Shop
Drawings, that uplift hardware is fabricated and fastened in accordance with
the requirements described in the Impact-R Pier Design, and that proper
corrosion mitigation procedures are followed.

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7.4 Daily Quality Control Field Sheets

7.4.1 The CT Representative is responsible for compiling daily Quality Control field
sheets. The data contained in the QC field sheets should generally include,
but is not necessarily limited to the following information about each Impact
RAP installed:

• Footing and Impact-R Pier location and number.

• Ground surface elevation.
• Impact-R Pier installation depth.
• Number of lifts.
• Procedure to construct each lift.
• Time of lifting for each lift.
• Total pier installation time.
• Hydraulic pressures during pier installation (from operator or data
record).
• Volume of unused aggregate.
• Net Volume of aggregate introduced into Impact-R Pier (equal to the
difference between the total hopper and mandrel volume and the
volume of unused aggregate).
• Planned and actual Impact-R Pier elevations at the top and bottom of
the element (based on installation depth).
• Documentation of any unusual conditions encountered.
• Type and size of hammer equipment used.
• Aggregate description.
• Record of flow rates (water flow rate or compressed air pressure)
• Results of Crowd Stabilization Tests.

7.4.2 Review/Coordination: The CT Representative should review each day’s QC

field sheets with the QA Representative to resolve discrepancies.

7.4.3 Reports: The CT Representative should provide copies of each day’s QC

field sheets to the Designer on a daily basis. The CT Representative should
provide copies of each day’s QC field sheets to the General Contractor and

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QA Representative on a weekly basis unless unusual or out-of-spec
conditions occur. An example QC field sheet is shown in Figure 5.

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Figure 5 – Sample Quality Control Form

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 ATTACHMENT A

Field Charts for Estimating

Volume of Aggregate

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