STATIC LOAD TEST

METHODOLOGY
In accordance with ASTM D1143
Background
Static Load Test measures the response of a pile under an applied load. It can determine the
ultimate failure load of a foundation pile and determine its capacity to support the load
without excessive or continuous displacement. The purpose of such test is to verify that the
load capacity in the constructed pile is greater than the nominal resistance (Compression,
Tension, Lateral, etc.) used in the design. The best results occur when pile load tests are
performed in conjunction with Pile Dynamic Analysis (PDA). The tests give the
Geoprofessional information needed to allow the use of a more “rational” foundation design.

By providing actual capacity and deflection values, the test results can be used to confirm that
the pile design load can be adequately supported. Depending on the test pile’s performance,
the results may also allow for project cost savings by permitting an increase in the pile design
load, a reduction in the overall pile length, or a quantification of capacity in difficult or
unknown soil conditions. Additionally, the results will offer an improved knowledge of pile-
soil behavior, as well as provide valuable data that can be used for future research.

The static pile load test is performed using a reaction method. The test procedure involves
applying an axial load to the top of the test pile with one or more hydraulic jacks. The reaction
force is transferred to the anchor piles that go into tension in the case of a static load test in
compression; or into compression in the case of a static load test in tension. Various forms of
instrumentation are installed onto the test and anchor piles so that an accurate measurement
of the test pile displacement can be obtained. Redundant systems are used to ensure
accuracy of the various measurements.

Loads are applied in increments, typically, equal to 25% of the design load. Each increment of
load is held for a predetermined time interval. The test procedure is conducted in accordance
with ASTM D1143, Procedure A: Quick Test or Procedure B: Maintained Test. The pile capacity
acceptance or failure criteria will be determined by the parameters established by the
structure design and geotechnical engineer.

Once the pile load testing is completed, a geotechnical engineer reviews and analyzes the
load test data. The test data is used to produce a plot of load versus pile displacement. The
ultimate capacity of the test pile is determined using graphical or analytical procedures. A
summary report is then forwarded to the Structural Engineer.

Significance & Use

This test is used to acquire data on displacement and capacity of a pile. Pile load tests are
expensive to perform but provide value to a structure. Static Load Test are performed for
several reasons. They are as follows:
• According to BNBC 2020, section 3.11.2, at least 2% of piles (test piles plus service
piles) shall be tested in each area of uniform subsoil conditions. Where necessary,
additional piles may be load tested to establish the safe design capacity.
• When there is a potential for large cost savings. Typically, on large projects with similar
strata and pile types.
• When the safe loading condition is in doubt, due to limitations of an engineer’s
experience base, or unusual site or project conditions.
 • When soil or rock conditions vary considerably from one portion of a project to
another.
• When the design load is significantly higher than typical design loads.
• When time-related soil capacity changes are anticipated (i.e., soil setup & relaxation.)
• To determine the length of precast friction piles to avoid splices.
• When new or unproven pile types or installation methods are to be used.
• When existing piles will be used to support a new structure with heavier loads.
• To obtain a reliable value for tensile and lateral pile resistance.

Referenced Documents
1. ASTM D1143- Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under Static Axial
Compressive Load
2. ASTM D 653- Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
3. ASTM D 3740- Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the
Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and
Construction
4. ASTM D 5882- Test Method for Low Strain Integrity Testing of Piles
5. ASTM D 6026- Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
6. ASTM D 6760- Test Method for Integrity Testing of Concrete Deep Foundations by
Ultrasonic Crosshole Testing.

Terminology
Cast in-situ pile—a deep foundation unit made of cement grout or concrete and constructed
in its final location, for example, drilled shafts, bored piles, caissons, auger cast
piles, pressure-injected footings, etc.

Deep foundation— a relatively slender structural element that transmits some or all of the
load it supports to soil or rock well below the ground surface, such as a steel pipe pile
or concrete drilled shaft.

Driven pile—a deep foundation unit made of preformed material with a predetermined
shape and size and typically installed by impact hammering, vibrating, or pushing.

Failure load—for the purpose of terminating an axial compressive load test, the test load at
which rapid continuing, progressive movement occurs, or at which the total axial movement
exceeds 15 % of the pile diameter or width, or as specified by the engineer.

Telltale rod—an unstrained metal rod extended through the test pile from a specific point to
be used as a reference from which to measure the change in the length of the loaded pile.

Wireline—a steel wire mounted with a constant tension force between two supports and
used as a reference line to read a scale indicating movement of the test pile.
Apparatus
1. Apparatus for Applying and Measuring Loads:
a) Hydraulic Jacks,
b) Reaction Beam,
c) Reference Beam,
d) Dial Gages,
e) Leveling Instrument,
f) Ball Bearing,
g) Transducers &
h) Load Cells.

Fig: Schematic of Hydraulic Jack Acting Against Anchored Reaction Frame

2. Apparatus for Measuring Movement:

a) Displacement Indicators,
b) Wireline,
c) Mirror,
d) Scale &
e) Surveyor’s Level or Laser Beam.
 Fig: Schematic of Instrumentation of Measuring Axial Pile Movements

Test Foundation Preparation

The surface around the test pile or pile group is excavated or added fill to prepare the pile for
the test. The pile is cut off or build up as necessary to permit construction of the load-
application apparatus, placement of the necessary testing and instrumentation equipment,
and observation of the instrumentation. Any damaged or unsound material from the pile top
is removed and the surface is prepared so that it is perpendicular to the pile axis with minimal
irregularity to provide a good bearing surface for a test plate.
For tests of single piles, a solid steel test plate (at least 25 mm thick) is installed perpendicular
to the long axis of the test pile that covers the complete pile top area. The test plate shall
span across and between any unbraced flanges on the test pile.
For tests on pile groups, the pile group is capped with steel-reinforced concrete or a steel load
frame designed for the anticipated loads. A clear space beneath the pile cap is provided to
eliminate any bearing on the underlying ground surface. For each loading point on the pile
cap, a solid steel test plate with a minimum thickness of 25 mm oriented perpendicular to the
axis of the pile group is provided.
A single bearing plate is centered on the centroid of the pile group. Multiple bearing plates
are placed symmetrically about the centroid of the pile group. Boxes and beams may bear
directly on the pile cap when designed to bear uniformly along their contact surface with the
cap.
To minimize stress concentrations due to minor irregularities of the pile top surface, test
plates are set bearing on the top of precast or cast-in-place concrete piles in a thin layer of
quick-setting, non-shrink grout, less than 6 mm thick and having a compressive strength
greater than the test pile at the time of the test. Test plates, boxes, and beams designed to
bear on a concrete pile cap are set in a thin layer of quick-setting, non-shrink grout, less than
6 mm thick and having a compressive strength greater than the pile cap at the time of the
test. For tests on steel piles, or a steel load frame, the test plate is welded to the pile or load
frame. For tests on individual timber piles, the test plate is set directly on the cleanly cut top
of the pile, or in grout as described for concrete piles.

Procedure of Maintained Test:

The test pile is loaded using a calibrated hydraulic jack that applies the test load to the pile by
pushing against a beam placed directly over the test pile. The test beam is restrained by an
anchorage system consisting of reaction piles installed in the adjacent ground to provide
tension resistance. Once the load test frame is in place and fully instrumented, the hydraulic
jack applies the test load in a series of increments.

The pile should be loaded to a maximum maintained load of 200 % of the anticipated design
load for tests on individual piles, or 150 % of the pile group design load, applying the load in
increments of 25 % of the design load until the failure occurs. Each load increment is
maintained until the rate of axial movement does not exceed 0.25 mm (0.01 in) per hour, with
a minimum time adequate to verify this movement rate based on the accuracy of the
movement indicator readings, and with a maximum of 2 hr.

After applying the maximum load and reaching an overall test duration of at least 12 hr,
unloading is started when the axial movement measured over a period of 1 hr does not
exceed 0.25 mm (0.01 in); otherwise, the maximum load is allowed to remain on the pile or
pile group for 24 hr. If failure occurs during loading, the failure load or the maximum load
possible is maintained until the total axial movement equals 15 % the pile diameter or width.
After completing the final load increment, the load is removed in decrements of 25 % of the
maximum test load with 1 hr between decrements.

While using the direct loading method, the weight of the test beam(s) and the platform that
bear directly on the pile is included in the first load increment. Before adding or removing
load increments, the wedges are tightened along the platform edges to stabilize the platform.
Load increments are placed or removed in a manner which avoids impact and maintains the
load balanced at all times. After each load increment has been added, the wedges are
loosened and kept loose to permit the full load to act on the pile as it moves.

Pile movement is recorded with each incremental load, and the results are typically presented
in a graphical format. The allowable capacity of the pile is obtained afterward.
Procedure of Quick Test:
The pile is loaded using a calibrated hydraulic jack that applies the test load to the pile by
pushing against a beam placed directly over the pile. The counter weight was applied by
hydraulic static pile driver equipment. Once the load test frame is in place and fully
instrumented, the hydraulic jack applies the test load in a series of increments. The test is
performed as per ASTM D1143M, section 8.1.2 & 8.2.2.

Test readings are recorded at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 min after completing the application of each load
increment. After reaching the full test load, the load is gradually decreased. Test readings are
recorded at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 min after completing each load decrement. Finally, readings are
recorded at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 & 15 min after all load has been removed.

Pile movement is recorded with each incremental load, and the results are typically presented
in a graphical format. The allowable capacity of the pile is obtained afterward.

Data Interpretation:

According to BNBC 2020, the load on test pile to determine ultimate capacity is twice the
design load. The test load on service/working pile is 1.5 times the design load. The following
criteria should be met in deciding the allowable/safe pile capacity.

Safe Load for Single Pile

(a) Two thirds of the final load at which the load displacement attains a value of 12 mm
unless otherwise required in a given case on the basis of nature and type of structure
in which case, the safe load should be corresponding to the stated total displacement
permissible.
(b) Fifty (50) percent of the final load at which the total displacement equals to 10 percent
of pile diameter case of uniform diameter piles and 7.5 percent of bulb diameter in
case of under-reamed piles.
Steps to be followed for Performing Static load test at Current Project:

• The test pile is loaded using a calibrated hydraulic jack that pushes
against a beam placed directly over the pile to a maximum
maintained load of 200 % of the design load or 150 % of the pile
group design load.
• The load is applied in increments of 25 % of the design load until
the failure occurs. Each increment is maintained until the rate of
axial movement does not exceed 0.25 mm (0.01 in) per hour.
• Unloading is started if the axial movement measured for 1 hr does
Loading & not exceed 0.25 mm (0.01 in); otherwise the maximum load is
Unloading allowed to remain on the pile for 24 hr.
• If failure occurs during loading, the failure load or the maximum
load possible is maintained until the total axial movement equals 15
% the pile diameter or width.
• After completing the final load increment, the load is removed in
decrements of 25 % of the maximum test load with 1 hr between
decrements.

• Pile movement is recorded with each incremental & decremental

load.
Data collection

• The test data is used to produce a plot of load versus pile

displacement. The ultimate capacity of the test pile is determined
using graphical or analytical procedures.
Analysis

• Preparation of Static load vs Settlement curves.

• Recommendation of Pile ultimate and allowable capacity based on
BNBC 2020 Methods.
Reporting