STATIC LOAD TESTING
The static load test (SLT) involves the provide tension [Link]
direct measurement of pile head nominated test load is usually applied
displacement in the response to a in a series of increments in
physically applied test load. It is the accordance with the appropriate
most fundamental form of pile load test Code, or with a pre-determined load
and is considered as the bench-mark of testing specification for a project. Each
pile [Link] has been load increment is sustained for a
performed in the load range 100kN to specified time period, or until the rate
12,000 [Link] SLT may be carried out of pile movement is less than a
for the following load configurations: nominated value.
• Compression Static load testing methods are
• Lateral applicable to all pile types, on land or
• Tension (i.e. uplift) over water, and may be carried out on
either production piles or sacrificial
For the SLT the load is trial [Link] piles are specifically
most commonly applied constructed for the purpose of
via a jack acting against a carrying out load tests and therefore,
reaction beam, which is are commonly loaded to failure.
restrained by an Testing of production piles however, is
anchorage system or by limited to prove that a pile will
jacking up against a perform satisfactorily at the
reaction mass (“kentledge”or dead serviceability or design load, plus an
weight).The anchorage system may be overload to demonstrate that the pile
in the form of cable anchors or reaction has some (nominated) reserve
piles installed into the ground to capacity.
STATIC LOAD TESTING
THE TEST PROCEDURE
Loading is applied to the test pile
using a calibrated hydraulic jack, and
where required a calibrated load cell
measures the load.
During the SLT, direct measurements
of pile displacement under the
applied loading are taken by reading
deflectometers (dial gauges reading
to 0.01mm) that are positioned on
glass reference plates cemented to
the pile [Link] deflectometers are
supported by reference beams that
are founded a specified distance away
from both the test pile and any
reaction points.
Although SLT is generally held as the
most reliable form of load testing a
pile or pile group, it is important that
interaction effects are minimised.
These may result from interaction
between the test pile and the
anchorage systems, or between the
measuring system and reaction
points. For this reason, careful
attention is given to performing the
test in accordance with proper
procedures.
TEST RESULTS
Test results are presented in
conventional graphical format
showing the applied load versus pile
head displacement.
A typical result from a compression
test is shown [Link] pile was
loaded in two [Link] first cycle
to 1750 kN (Design Serviceability
Load) resulted in a deflection of
[Link] second cycle was tested
to 3500 kN (1.5 times the Design
Action Effect) with a deflection
of 14.1mm.
Frankipile Australia (A Keller Company)
Level 4, 56 Station Street,
Parramatta, NSW, 2150
Phone 02 9891 2588
Fax 02 9891 1616