The concept of this test is to apply massive dynamic impact on the tested element and converting it into static capacity. The basic purpose of high strain dynamic pile testing is to evaluate pile static capacity and its structural integrity using measurement of both force and velocity. CAse Pile Wave Analysis Software (CAPWAP) is used to analyze the field data interpreting the dynamic wave and converting it into the required pile capacity.
The method involves attaching a minimum of two pairs of strain transducers and accelerometers on diagonally opposite sides of the pile. These are fixed minimum 1.5 times the pile diameter below pile top. Impact is generated using a hammer capable of delivering the required impact to achieve the required load. AHAM owns several hammers ranging form 3 tons to 25 tons. The load and height of drop is pre-calculated using the soil parameters using GRL Wave Equation Analyses and Drivability Studies (WEAP) analysis.
The strain transducers attached to the pile measure the strain on the piles’ body during impact, whereas accelerometers record the accelerations generated in the pile.
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| APPLICATIONS & BENEFITS |
- Significantly faster and economical than static testing
- Very effective for large diameter bored piles with huge capacities and applicable for both offshore and onshore piling
- Applicable to almost all kinds of piles
- Is not restricted by space constraints
- Provides reliable information on friction, end-bearing, pile integrity, hammer performance and plot simulated load test curve for comparison with static testing
- Reduces controversies and eliminates risk enabling a safe foundation
- Measures driving stresses for effective driving control
- Very effective for offshore piles, where conducting static load testing is very difficult
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| LIMITATIONS |
- Requires engineering and experienced judgment
- The setup of the test is time consuming and the hammer is not small and light
- The resistance to driving generated should be strong enough to mobilize pile ultimate resistance
- Reliability and accuracy of the results are related to the proficiency of the setup as well as the hammer drop
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