Training module 1

Preparation for field testing

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Outcomes

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Outcomes and evaluation

Outcomes :
 The trainee should have a good understanding of the principles of dynamic pile testing theory,
measurement and practice at an introductory level in order to prepare for data acquisition in the
field.

 After completion of modules 2 and 3 the trainee should have knowledge sufficient to take the
High Strain Dynamic Pile Testing Examination (Part A).

Evaluation:
This module has two tutorials to enable the trainee to review and test their understanding of key
content presented. Questions may include, but are not limited to:

 strain, stress, force and velocity; computing 2L/c, length and pile impedance
 computing material properties (i.e. modulus, wave speed and specific weight)
 transducer attachment and field practice
 recognition of data quality problems that can be encountered in the field

Topic: Outcomes (1/1)

Module outline

Purpose and structure :

The purpose of this module is to provide the trainee with the theory and background knowledge
necessary for parts of the PDA Examination Part A, and also to provide users with a training
resource. The tutorials are intended to :

 review key topics presented

 provide the trainee with exam style questions to test their understanding of key topics

Please note :
As this is intended to be a self-paced learning program, there are no specified times in which the
trainee should complete any section of the course.

Topic: Module outline (1/2)

Module Outline

Main Menu: Preparation for field testing

Sections
2.1 Fundamentals of PDA testing
2.2 Tutorial
2.3 Field testing
2.4 Tutorial

Duration : ~ 8 hrs

Topic: Module outline (2/2)

2.1 Fundamentals of PDA testing
Topics
2.1.1 General introduction to dynamic pile testing

2.1.2 Elastic deformation

2.1.3 Measurement of strain

2.1.4 Measurement of acceleration

2.1.5 Converting acceleration to pile top velocity

2.1.6 Pile cross-sectional area, [AR]

2.1.7 Pile modulus, [EM] : steel, concrete and timber

2.1.8 Converting strain to pile top force

Section menu (1/3)

2.1 Fundamentals of PDA testing
Topics
2.1.9 Pile specific weight, [SP] : steel, concrete and timber

2.1.10 The relationship between EM, SP and wavespeed, WS

2.1.11 Pile impedance, [Z] : proportionality between force and velocity (F and v)

2.1.12 Pile length below transducers [LE]

2.1.13 Pile length penetrated [LP]

2.1.14 Local wave speed [WS]

2.1.15 Wave-return time, 2L/c

2.1.16 Overall wave speed [WC]

Section menu (2/3)

2.1 Fundamentals of PDA testing
Topics

2.1.17 Wave speed – summary

2.1.18 Basic introduction to static resistance [RS] and dynamic resistance [RD]

Section menu (3/3)

General introduction to dynamic pile
testing

High strain dynamic pile testing, or as it is also referred to as PDA testing involves measuring
both the strain and acceleration close to the pile top during a blow from a pile driving hammer.
Typically the impact wave force from a blow takes less than a total time of 100 milliseconds to
travel down to the pile toe (bottom) where it is reflected and return back to the top. Using the
principles of one-dimensional wave mechanics, the measured force during a blow can be
separated into a wave down force and a wave up force which can indicate a great deal about the
pile and soil system.

Importantly this method of testing can also provide a means of checking hammer performance,
pile stresses and damage (i.e pile integrity) during driving or on re-strike.

The following slides provide an overview of some of the fundamental principles of high strain
dynamic pile testing. For a more in-depth presentation on the principles of high strain dynamic
pile testing see Modules 4, 5 and 6 of the training program.

Topic: 2.1.1 (1/12)

PDA Terminology

Topic: 2.1.1 (2/12)

 General introduction to dynamic pile
testing
Ftop

Pile top before

impact

connectivity

velocity The fundamental principles of one-dimensional wave

mechanics tells us that the pile top force, also referred
to as ‘impact wave force’ propagates down the pile
through the transfer of energy (connectivity) between
strain ‘particles’ in the pile.

Pile particle

Topic: 2.1.1 (3/12)

 General introduction to dynamic pile
testing

Top

strain
gauge
F(t) v(t)

accelerometer
The measured strain is converted using
principles of elastic deformation to obtain
pile top force. The measured acceleration
is integrated with respect to time to obtain
particle velocity at the gauge location.

Topic: 2.1.1 (4/12)

 General introduction to dynamic pile
testing
For elastic deformation, the pile top force, F, is
‘proportional’ to the pile particle velocity, v, for
that period in which no reflections of the
downward wave force are received at the sensors.
The proportional constant that ensures elastic
equality between average measured F and v is
termed the ‘pile impedance’ (symbol, Z).

Weak soil

Av. Force
vZ
Force down Velocity x impedance

One-dimensional wave mechanics theory

Average force is the computed from the
average of the individual strain sensor F(down) = Z.v(down)
measurements
Topic: 2.1.1 (5/12)
 Proportionality and an electrical analogy

Pile impedance, Z, is analogous to the

resistance, R, in an electrical circuit.
F
−
Top In the case of an electrical circuit, the −
proportionality between electrical force − EMF = electrical
(applied voltage,V) and current, i ceases force
in the case where i varies (alternates) and
the circuit has inductance. The
inductance produces an opposing −
electrical force (back EMF) that opposes
Pile the current flow. Electrical
+v +i conductor
Similarly, for a pile with ‘shaft friction’,
−
the friction (resistance) results in an
opposing force. Proportionality between
F and v ceases after the arrival of this
Toe opposing wave force at the location +
where the sensors are attached to the pile. +

F = v.Z V (EMF) = i.R

Topic: 2.1.1 (6/12)
 General introduction to dynamic pile
testing
Separation of Waves
When the measured F and v at the pile top Below are the expressions derived from the
are no longer proportional this indicates principles of one-dimensional wave
there must be upward wave forces being mechanics for computing the wave down and
received at the sensors. The ‘principle of wave up from the average measurements of
superposition’ enables average measured F force and velocity at the sensors. For the
and v over the recording period to be used theory on how these expressions are derived
to compute the downward and upward wave see Training Module 4.
forces.

Skin friction

WD WU

t t
input from hammer reflections from soil resistance
Wave Down (WD) = (F + Zv)/2 Wave Up (WU) = (F – Zv)/2

Topic: 2.1.1 (7/12)

General introduction to dynamic pile
testing

Av. force
Wave Up (WU)
“Reflections from soil resistance”

WU

time
t

 The value of the Wave Up at an arbitrary time, t, after an impact is a function of

the impact force and amount of soil resistance mobilized at that time.

 The time, t, at which the wave up (reflections) are received at the pile top (sensor
location) helps to tell the reviewer about the location of that resistance relative to
the pile top (sensor location). Note above that there are no upward wave forces
initially indicating that the sensors may be well above the ground or that the
upper soil may be weak.

Topic: 2.1.1 (8/12)

General introduction to dynamic pile
testing

Disadvantages of dynamic pile testing

 Static capacity is interpreted rather than directly measured.

 Requires expert knowledge for correct analysis.

Topic: 2.1.1 (9/12)

General introduction to dynamic pile
testing

Advantages of dynamic pile testing

Quick and inexpensive. More piles can be tested for the same cost.

Track record of good correlations over 20 years.

Construction quality control tool check of :

 Hammer performance
 Pile stresses
 Pile damage

Topic: 2.1.1 (10/12)

General introduction to dynamic pile
testing

Pile types suitable for dynamic pile testing

 All types of preformed and prismatic piles (i.e. uniform symmetrical steel and
concrete piles).

 Drilled shafts and cast-in-place piles (with well defined geometry only). This is
because the reflections from cross-sectional changes complicates the interpretation of
the soil reflections from which the pile capacity is inferred. It is important, therefore,
that sufficient measurements are made during construction that a reasonably accurate
pile shape can be defined and input into the analysis process.

 Timber piles may also be tested, however, the circumference at 1 m (3 ft) intervals
should be measured in advance of testing.

Topic: 2.1.1 (11/12)

General introduction to dynamic pile
testing

Further Reading on dynamic testing

The files below have been packaged with the training modules for your information.

Topic: 2.1.1 (12/12)

Elastic deformation

F tip of rod = pile top, before compression

If we apply a compressive force at the top of an elastic rod (pile) an elastic

displacement of the atoms in the space lattice allow the rod to undergo a
temporary deformation in the direction of the downward force. The change
in length of the rod is proportional to the surface strain. If we were to
measure the surface strain (change in length/original length), elastic
deformation theory says that stress is proportional to strain and therefore
strain can be converted into force if modulus, E, and cross-sectional area,
A are known.

rod = pile (e.g. steel, concrete, timber, composite)

end of rod = pile toe bearing against hard rock

F

Topic: 2.1.2 (1/2)

Elastic deformation

F pile top, before compression

Q. If we apply a compressive force at the top of a simply (regularly)

reinforced or prestressed concrete pile would you expect the strain in the
steel reinforcement to be approximately equal to the concrete strain ?

A. Yes because the change in length of the reinforcement will be

approximately equal to the change in length of the concrete. This
assumption that “steel strain = concrete strain” is fundamental to testing
of composite piles.

pile (e.g. simply reinforced or prestressed concrete)

pile toe bearing on hard rock

F

Topic: 2.1.2 (2/2)

Strain transducers

PDI Strain transducer specification

A strain transducer is a device for measuring surface strain. The electrical-resistance type strain
transducer works on the principle that the surface strain is proportional to the change in
electrical resistance.

Topic: 2.1.3 (1/4)

PDI strain transducer specifications

Physical

size: 115 x 35 x 11 mm
effective gage length: 76 mm (or 50 mm optional)
material: aluminum or steel
temperature range: -50C to 120C operating
circuit: full bridge; 2 pair shielded cable
sensitivity: 380 µe/MV/V typical, individual calibration furnished with each strain transducer
nominal strain range: 2,000 µe
nominal shock range: 5000 g's
attachment by bolt on system, glue on system optional
full waterproofing optional
Natural frequency: dependent on member transducer is mounted on
Measurement of compression

Strain transducer

C When the surface strain is in compression, gages R 1

and R3 are in tension (∆R1 and ∆R3 positive) and
gages R2 and R4 are in compression (∆R2 and ∆R4
negative), then the potential difference (V output being
positive) is also proportional to the sum of all strains
measured.
C R2 R4 C
R1 R3

T T
Resistance strain gages connected
in Wheatstone bridge configuration

Voutput = R2/R1 ( ∆R1 − ∆R2 + ∆R3 − ∆R4 )

C (1+R2/R1)2 R1 R2 R3 R4

Topic: 2.1.3 (2/4)

Measurement of tension

Strain transducer

T When the surface strain is in tension, gages R 1 and R3

are now in compression (∆R1 and ∆R3 negative) and
gages R2 and R4 are in tension (∆R2 and ∆R4 positive),
and the potential difference (Voutput being negative in
this case) remains proportional to the sum of all
strains measured.

T R2 R4
T
R1 R3

C C
Resistance strain gages connected
in Wheatstone bridge configuration

T Voutput = R2/R1 ( ∆R1 − ∆R2 + ∆R3 − ∆R4 )

(1+R2/R1)2 R1 R2 R3 R4
Topic: 2.1.3 (3/4)
Strain transducers

 always handle with care. Avoid inadvertently dropping or standing on transducers.

 generally have an uncertainty of ±2% of the measured value.

 are sensitive to bending or torsional effects and therefore should always be used in pairs (e.g.
either 2 or 4 strain transducers NOT 1 or 3 strain transducers).

Topic: 2.1.3 (4/4)