ENGINEERING CONSULTING BUREAU

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF BASRAH

Statement Method
for

Dynamic Pile Load Test

According to
ASTM Standard D 4945
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2

2 INSTRUMENTATION ----------------------------------------------------------- 2

3 TEST PROCEDURE ------------------------------------------------------------- 5

4 TEST RESULTS ------------------------------------------------------------------ 6

5 DATA INTERPRETATION ----------------------------------------------------- 7

6 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS ---------------------------------------- 9

7 REFERENCES -------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

8 LOCATION OF THE TEST PILES -------------------------------------------- 11

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1 Introduction
The dynamic test of piles PDA also called the high strain dynamic test of piles,
is used for two subjects: Dynamic Load Test and Dynamic Pile Monitoring. It is
applicable for testing vertical or batter piles individually to determine the force and
velocity response of the pile to an impact force applied axially by a pile driving hammer
or similar device that will cause a large strain impact to the top of the pile [1]. In
addition, this test is used for both bored and driven piles. Frequently the purpose of this
test is to determine pile bearing capacity because there are increases and decreases in
the pile capacity with time typically occur after a pile is driven (soil setup/relation).
Therefore, dynamic testing during restrike usually yields a better indication of the long-
term pile capacity than a test at the end of pile driving [2].
The PDA test is best suited for contract work, particularly varies from project to
project and its specifications for one site may not apply to another such as pile integrity,
damage investigation, establishing driving stresses, pile shaft and end bearing capacity,
inspecting hammer performance, etc. [2].
2 Instrumentation
2-1 Impact Force Application
Any conventional pile driving hammer or similar device is acceptable for
applying the impact force provided it is capable of generating a net measurable pile
penetration, or an estimated mobilized static resistance in the bearing strata which, for
a minimum period of 3ms, exceeds a sufficient degree the working load assigned to the
pile, as judged by the engineer in charge. The device must be positioned so that the
impact is applied axially to the head of the pile and concentric with the pile. A typical
device is shown in (Fig. 1). [1]
2-2 Apparatus for Obtaining Dynamic Measurements [1]
The apparatus must include transducers, which are capable of independently
measuring strain and acceleration versus time at a specific location along the pile axis
during the impact event. Each two of these devices must be fixed on opposite sides of
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the pile, and must be securely attached so that they do not slip. Bolt-on, glue-on, or
weld-on transducers are acceptable. The apparatus must include the following:

A- Force or Strain Transducers. The strain transducers shall have a linear output over
the entire range of possible strains. When attached to the pile, their natural frequency
shall be more than 2000 Hz. The measured strain shall be converted to force using the
pile cross-section area and dynamic modulus of elasticity at the measured location.

B- Acceleration, Velocity or Displacement Transducers. Velocity data shall be

obtained with accelerometers, provided the signal is capable of being processed by
integration in the apparatus for reducing data. A minimum of two accelerometers with
a resonant frequency above 2500 Hz shall be at equal radial distances on diametrically
opposite sides of the pile.

C- Placement of Transducers. The transducers must be placed, opposed and on equal

radial distances, at the same axial distance from the bottom of the pile so that the
measurements compensate for the bending of the pile. When near the upper end, they
must be attached at least 1.5 pile diameters from the pile head. This is illustrated in (Fig.
2) and additional details are provided in references [1] and [3].
D- Apparatus for Recording, Reducing and Displaying Data. The signals from the
transducers [1 clause 5.2] during the impact event shall be transmitted to an apparatus
for recording, reducing, and displaying data to allow determination of the force and
velocity versus time. Figure ( 3 ) shows a typical device which may be used in the high-
strain pile test.
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3 Test Procedure [1,4]

The test procedure specified by ASTM 4945 could be summarized as following
steps:
A- General: Record applicable project information. Attach the transducers to the pile,
perform the internal calibration check, and take the dynamic measurements for the
impacts during the interval to be monitored together with routine observations of
penetration resistance. Determine properties from a minimum of ten impact records
during initial driving and, when used for soil resistance computations, normally from
one or two representative blows at the beginning of re-striking.
B-For the determination of strain wave speed for concrete, the wave speed should be
determined from the impact event if a tensile reflection wave from the pile toe is
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identified. Alternatively, place the pile on supports or level ground free and clear
from neighboring piles and obstructions. Attach the accelerometer to one end of the
pile and strike the other end of the pile with a sledgehammer of suitable weight.
C- Preparation: Mark the piles clearly at appropriate intervals. Attach the transducers
securely to the piles by bolting, glueing, or welding. For pile materials other than
steel, determine the wave speed. Position the apparatus for applying the impact force
so that the force is applied axially and concentrically with the pile. Set up the
apparatus for recording, reducing, and displaying data so that it is operational and
the force and velocity signals are zeroed.
D- Taking Measurements: Record the number of impacts for a specific penetration.
Record the drop of the ram or ram travel length for drop hammers and single-acting
diesel and air/steam/hydraulic hammers. For double-acting diesel hammers, measure
the bounce pressure; for double-acting steam or compressed air hammers, measure
the steam or air pressure in the pressure line to the hammer. For hydraulic hammers,
record the kinetic energy from the hammer readout when available. Record the
number of blows per minute delivered by the hammer. Take, record, and display a
series of force and velocity measurements. Compare the force and the product of
velocity and impedance at the moment of impact.

4 Test Results
For Dynamic Load Test the test results recorded from measurements of the field
are transformed to the computer to generate the required figures, and tables for
displaying and assessment of the test result quality. This is achieved by using PDA-W
[5] software in addition to both CAPWAP and CRAWEAP programs which are
provided by PDI company. Figure (4) shows the obtained force and velocity graph for
a typical test. Also; the PDA-W provides the following curves of the results:
[F, V]: Force, Velocity
[WD, WU]: Wave Down, Wave Up
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[RS, RT]: Resistance Static (includes Case Damping Constant, JC), Resistance
Total (JC=0)
[E, D]: Energy, Displacement
[F1, F2]: Force 1, Force 2 (i.e., individual Force curves)
[V1, V2]: Velocity 1, Velocity 2 (i.e., individual Velocity curves)

The results of curves and tables can be summarized in the following list:
FMX: Maximum force.
VMX: Maximum velocity.
DMX: Maximum displacement.
DFN: Final displacement.
EMX: Maximum energy.
CSX: Maximum compression stress.
CSI: Maximum individual compression stress.
CSB: Maximum Toe compression stress.
TSX: Maximum tension stresses.
TSN: Maximum tension stress.
BTA: Integrity factor.
LTD: Length to damage.
RMX: Maximum capacity estimate based on JC damping factor.
RA2: Maximum capacity estimate (independent of damping assumptions).
SFR: Shaft resistance.
EBR: End Bearing Resistance.

For Dynamic Pile Monitoring which is performed during pile driving, the obtained
results concern driving hammer performance, driving stresses, pile integrity,
establishing efficient driving criterion, and contributing to safe and economical
production pile installation. But the prediction bearing capacity at the end of driving is
not recommended due to set up or relaxation effect, therefore bearing capacity tests
must be performed after a setup period [5].
5 Data Interpretation [5]
Result interpretation should be by a professional engineer who knows wave
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theory and pile driving. The PDA investigates driving stresses, pile integrity (damage),
hammer performance, and bearing capacity. For best results in capacity, test the pile
during restrike with 7 days wait to allow for strength changes with time. The
Geotechnical engineer should review capacity results for uplift, settlement, and down
drag.
PDA assumes the pile is uniform; if non-uniform, it must use CAPWAP. The
geotechnical engineer should review results, and recommendations considering uplift,
settlement, and negative friction.

Stresses:
PDA finds average Max Compression Stress (CSX) at sensors (using assumed
modulus) and Max Compression Stress for any strain sensor (CSI).
Damage:
PDA inspects Wave Up for damage (should increase monotonically during first 2L/c).
Damage is usually a Sharp Reduction in Wave Up. For non-uniform piles, PDA may find
"damage". Generally, when the Integrity Factor (BTA), which is one of the test results is
greater (90), the pile is OK; while when BTA is less than (60) the pile is rejected. For other
values of (BTA), Table (2) is used as a judgment noting that not give the capacity of damaged
piles. [5]

Capacity:
This is often the most difficult result to interpret. PDA estimates the capacity at the
time of testing only; often it is a reduced strength during driving. We suggest testing during
restrike for best long-term capacity and comparison with static tests. Ideally, the restrike wait
period is similar to the wait for the static test; often 7 to 14 days is suggested. Set per blow
should be a minimum of 3 mm (less than 100 bl/ft) to assure full capacity mobilization. In
summary, CAPWAP software is used for bearing capacity estimation while PDA-W software
is applicable for pile monitoring.
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Table (2) Beta Value Assessment

BETA Value (BTA) Description
100% Uniform Pile
80 to 99% Slight Damage
60 to 80% Damage
< 60% Pile Broken (generally pile is then rejected)
6 Discussion and Conclusions
This clause includes a comparison between the computed maximum stresses by
the test and the specified values by the designer. Also, the BTA value is compared with
specified values in Table (2) to estimate if there is any damage in the pile shaft. While
the maximum capacity of the pile (shaft and end bearing capacity), which is obtained
from the test, will compare with the specified value by the designer. Accordingly, it can
be concluded if the tested pile could be accepted or rejected.
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7 References
1- ASTM Standard D 4945, “Standard Test Method for Piles High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Piles”,
2004.
2- George Goble, and Garland Likins on The Application of PDA Dynamic Pile Testing, Online
Publisher.
3- Pile Driving Analyzer model PAX PDAL User’s Manual November 2008 from PDI.
4- CIRIA Report No 144, “Integrity Testing in Piling Practice,” CIRIA, London, 1997.
5- PDA-W Manual of Operation February 2009 from PDI.
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8 Location of the test piles

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