METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

METHOD OF STATEMENT
TESTS ON PILE FOUNDATION

ISSUE DETAILS

REVISION

DETAILS

PAGES

DATE

00

FIRST ISSUE

13

04 July 2015

01

RE-ISSUE-1

12

24 Oct 2015

JOE P S
PROJECT ENGINEER
PREPARED BY

JAYA KUMAR RAMAN

HSE ENGINEER
HSE REVIEW

J.K. DEY
SR. PROJECT MANAGER
REVIEWED BY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

1.

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

Objective
2.

Scope of Work

3.

Purpose

4.

Reference

5.

Responsibility

6.

Method of Test Procedures

6.1 Static Load Test
6.2 Pile Integrity Test
6.3 Ultrasonic Test
Safety
Related Forms
Attachments

7.
8.
9.

Risk Assessment

1.0

2.0

Objective
Pile tests are carried out for checking the homogeneity and integrity of concrete in deep
foundation, Load bearing capacity of bored piles, drilled shafts, concrete piles or auger cast
piles.
Purpose
To provide a detailed description for Various Pile test methods to ensure that the works
are performed in a safe, professional and controlled manner.

3.0

Scope of Works
This procedure covers Mobilization of materials and equipments, testing of piles in
Annode storage building.

4.0

References:

Relevant ASTM Codes

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

5.0

Contract Drawings & Specification

EMAL Red book

ADEHMS code of practice

Responsibility
Project Manager

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

To bear overall responsibility for timely and quality execution of

works and ensures the effective use of resources and manpower

Project Engineers

To ensure all operations are in accordance with the relevant

Project contract specifications and this method statement and
check the accuracy of the works done by the site engineers

Site Engineers

To ensure that all earth works are carried out as per the approved
shop drawings. Coordinate with surveyors for accuracy of the work.

QA/QC Engineer

To ensure that the works are carried out as per the specifications.
Necessary tests are to be carried out for conformity and results are to
be provided to the Engineer.

HSE Officer

To ensure that the works are carried out in a safe manner. Give
necessary guidelines to the workforce and facilitate safe working
condition

Foreman

To ensure to carry out the work in the safe manner with proper
control over labors and equipments. Coordinate with surveyor for
accuracy of the work

6.0 METHOD OF TESTING

6.A.

Static Axial Compression Load Test on preliminary & Working Pile

1. Objective
Static loading test on a pile is the purpose of finding the settlement to be expected at the
estimated working load, or some multiple thereof, determining the ultimate bearing
capacity, or checking the structural soundness of the pile.
2. Work Sequence
A. Codal Standard & Project Specification
B. Preparation of Pile Head
C. Arrangement of Reaction System for the Load Test
D. Arrangement for Measurement of Load & Pile Head Settlement
E. Application of Load & Off Loadings
F. Recording of Loads & respective Pile Head Movements
G. Preparation of Load Test Report

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

Standard
Pile testing of bored cast in situ vertical piles shall be carried out in accordance with this
method statement and as per the references as mentioned in clause no.4

Preparation of Pile Head

After the test pile is cast the top portion of pile (Pile head) will be chipped off to horizontal
to natural ground Level

Reaction System for the Load Test

Kentledge will be placed on platform using crane and at every layer of block, safety guide
ropes shall be provided for side barricade.

The reaction for the load test on 600 mm diameter pile will be obtained from the Kent
ledge placed on a platform supported on the ground as the test pile as shown in the
typical Drawing no. SCPL/DD/LT/001. The centre of gravity of the Kent ledge will be on the
axis of the pile and the load applied by the hydraulic jacks will be co-axial with the pile.
The Kent ledge for the load test shall be minimum 10% more than the test load.

The position of main girders shall be marked on ground and main girder shall then be
positioned for 600 mm dia. piles. The secondary girders will then be placed on the main
girders. The Kent ledge comprising of pre-cast concrete blocks will be placed over the
secondary girders as per the requirement of test loads.

The main girders will be supported on firm ground to bear the reaction load at the either
end, which will be weighing approximately 125 MT. If necessary, suitable grillage of
timber or steel shall be provided to bear such load.

Arrangement for Measurement of Load & Pile Head Settlement

The load from the reaction system will be applied on to the pile head by hydraulic jack of
suitable capacity. The load transmitted to the pile will be measured using pressure
Gauge. The hydraulic jack will be placed on the bearing plate co-axially with the pile.

The Pile Head movement/settlement shall be measured using 4 dial gauges of accuracy
not less than 0.01 mm and shall be recorded at every 10 min intervals for 1 hour; and 1
hour intervals during the test load.

The dial gauge shall be supported from the datum bar. Datum bar will be erected on
unmovable support placed at the distance of 0.50m to 1.0m from the surface of test pile.
Surface of the datum bar shall be checked by the sprit level or any other leveling
instrument.

Bearing plate of 30 to 50 mm thickness as per the requirement shall be placed in

between the Pile top & jack and Jack & main girders. Before the pile load test starts all
the arrangements shall be checked in conjunction with Consultant/Clients
representative.

Application of Load

Pile Test shall be carried out after 28 days of cast or achieving required compressive
strength.
The jack will be hydraulically operated and the applied load can be calculated by
multiplying the hydraulic pressure to the piston area of the jack.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

The load increments and decrements shall be carried out in stages as shown in Table 1
for preliminary test pile and in Table 2 for Working Pile. Each load shall be held for 1 hr. if
the movements of the pile head are less than 0.25mm per hour otherwise the load shall
be held for 2 hours.
Pile head movement shall be recorded as mentioned in the Table No.1 for Preliminary Pile
and Table No.2 for working Pile. Test pile shall be loaded until the test load is reached
which is 250% of the Working Load for Preliminary Piles and 150% of the Working Load
for Working Piles. The test load shall be held for 24 hours.
Thereafter the unloading is to be carried out at 1hr. interval until zero load is reached.
Decrement/Unloading shall be carried out as per the stages mentioned in Table 1 and
Table 2.
After removing all loads, the final Pile Head movement on recovery of load shall be
recorded after 1 hour.

Results:
The criteria for the elastic settlement of the proposed pile tip levels as per the vertical
pile load test in accordance with the requirement specified in Specification (CLP-1414Q6210-44EW-0001, Rev-0):
At 1.5 times the Working Load Maximum Settlement = 6 mm
At 2.5 times the Working Load Maximum Settlement = 6 mm

Table 1: Loading Stages for Load Test on Preliminary Pile

LOAD of (%)

TIME

SETTLEMENT CONDITION

Cycle - 1
0
25% WL
50% WL
75% WL

0
1 hr
1 hr
1 hr

100% WL

1 hrs.

75% WL

15 Min.

Off Loading

50% WL

15 Min.

Off Loading

25% WL

15 Min.

Off Loading

1 hr.

Off Loading

Till the rate of settlement is not more

than 0.25mm/hr otherwise for 2 hr.

Cycle 2
100%
125%
150%
175%
200%

WL
WL
WL
WL
WL

1
1
1
1
1

hr
hr
hr
hr
hr

Till the rate of settlement is not more

than 0.25mm/hr otherwise for 2 hr.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

225% WL
250% WL
225% WL
200% WL
175% WL
150% WL
125% WL
100% WL
75% WL
50% WL
25% WL
0

1 hr
24 hr
15 Min.
15 Min.
15 Min.
15 Min.
15 Min.
15 Min.
15 Min.
15 Min.
15 Min.
1 hr.

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

Test Load
Off Loading
Off Loading
Off Loading
Off Loading
Off Loading
Off Loading
Off Loading
Off Loading
Off Loading
Off Loading

Note: We shall submit details of static calculation for frame and kentledge including design
of main girder & secondary girder 7 days before tests.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

3. Equipment

Hydraulic Jack with electrical powered hydraulic pump motor set

Crawler crane or Mobile crane

Survey Equipments with necessary accessories
Welding Machine
Dial gauge, Pressure Gauge and other Hand Tools (If any)

6.B.Low strain Pile Integrity Test

1. Objective

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

Low strain integrity testing provides velocity and force (optional) data on structural elements
(that is, structural columns, driven concrete piles, cast in place concrete piles, concrete filled
steel pipe piles, timber piles, etc.). This data assists evaluation of pile integrity and pile physical
dimensions (that is, cross-sectional area, length), continuity, and consistency of the pile
material.
The purpose of the testing is to detect any major discontinuities or defaults in foundation which
may lead of failure of the file shaft.
2. Work Sequence

Preparation

Field Notes
Taking Measurements
Data Quality Checks
Analysis of Measurements
Preparation

1. EMAL approved Third Party Laboratory shall carry out the following all steps in Low strain
integrity test
2. Pile shall be chipped off to the required cut-off level and shaft face shall be levelled with
approved Materials.
3. For cast-in-place piles, the Integrity test shall be carried out after 7 day of casting or concrete
strength achieves at least 75% of its design strength
4. Pile head surface should be accessible, clean of loose concrete or other foreign materials. If the
pile head is contaminated, remove a sufficient pile section to reach sound concrete.
4.
Prepare small area by
hand grinder to provide a smooth surface for motion sensor
attachment and impact
5. For piles with diameters larger then 500mm, attach the accelerometer at a minimum of three
locations so that an integrity evaluation near the pile head may be made for each localized
section of pile.
6. Position the apparatus for applying the impact force so that the impact is applied axially with
the pile and at a distance no larger than 300mm from the accelerometer.
7. Set up the apparatus for recording, reducing and displaying data so that it is operational and
the force and velocity signals are zeroed.
Field Notes
It includes the following information in detailed records, as available, for each pile tested
a) Pile identification, nominal and actual pile head diameter and length
b) Date and method of concrete placement, date of pile tested
c) As-built geometry that is, total concrete volume, nominal or actual diameter versus
length, permanent or temporary casing, steel reinforcement, etc.
d) Soil stratigraphy
e) Any specific observation related to each pile tested that affects the pile construction,
excavation, integrity, etc.
f) Location of transducers at pile head and corresponding measurements
Taking Measurements
1
Apply several impacts and record each individual impact or the average, if required, or
both.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

2.
3.

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

If only the individual impacts are recorded, ensure that the apparatus for recording,
reducing, and displaying data is capable of averaging up to 10 individual records.
Record the number of impacts for a specific averaged record. Take, record, and display a
series of velocity and force (optional) measurements.

Data Quality Checks

1. For confirmation of data quality, the operator shall monitor the velocity and force (optional)
from several impact events for consistency.
2. Ensure that the apparatus for recording, reducing, and displaying data is capable of
determining the measurement device overload threshold. Do not use the records of
impacts that cause the measurement device to overload.
3. Consistent records are the result of uniform impacts on sound concrete, transducer
systems that are properly functioning, motion sensors that are firmly attached, and the
apparatus for recording, reducing, and displaying data properly functioning.
4. If records are not repeatable, do not use the data. If the cause of poor data is not a motion
sensor attachment problem but rather is found to be a transducer malfunction, repair or
recalibrate it before further use.
5. All components of the apparatus for obtaining dynamic measurements and the apparatus
for recording, reducing, and displaying data be calibrated if any signs of system
malfunctions become apparent
Analysis of Measurements
1. The recorded data shall be subjected to further analysis in a computer to quantify better
the extent of an apparent anomaly.
2. The results of the analysis shall include a quantitative assessment of pile integrity. Such
further use and interpretation of the data is a matter of engineering judgment and
experience
3. Test result shall be submitted to EMAL for approval.
Equipment
1. Hand held hammer
2. Accelerometers/ Transducers
3. PDI tester collector
6.C.Ultrasonic Crosshole Testing for Pile Integrity
1. Objective

Ultrasonic crosshole test provides the details of homogeneity and integrity of concrete in
deep foundation such as bored piles, drilled shafts, concrete piles or auger cast piles.
The test measures the propagation time and relative energy of an ultrasonic pulse between
parallel access ducts (cross hole) or in a single tube (single hole) installed in the deep
foundation element. This method is most applicable when performed in tubes that are
installed during construction.

2. Work Sequence
1. Installation of Preformed Access Ducts
2. Preparing Access ducts for Testing
3. Probe Preparation
4. Obtaining Measurements with the Apparatus
5. Data Quality Checks
6. Analysis of Measurements
Test Arrangement

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

Installation of Preformed Access Ducts

1. 50mm dia MS pipe shall be supplied at site and Jointed for required length using
welding.
2. Exterior face of tube shall be free from contamination (such as oil, dirt, loose rust, mill
scale etc.)
3. Access tubes shall be closed-ended at the bottom and fitted with removalble end caps
at the top to prevent entry of concrete or foreign objects which could block the tubes
prior to testing operations.
4. For pile dia >1000mm, three nos of MS pipes shall be installed as access tube at equal
distance.
5. The access tubes shall be installed such that their bottom is as close as possible to the
bottom of the pile concrete, so that the bottom condition can be tested.
6. The access tubes shall have a minimum concrete cover of 1 tube diameter
7. Access tubes shall be secured to the inside of the main axial reinforcement of the steel
cage at frequent and regular intervals along their length to maintain the tube alignment
during cage lifting, lowering and subsequent concreting of the deep foundation.
8. Care should be taken to ensure that all access tubes are as parallel to each other as
possible
Preparing Access ducts for Testing
1. Checks shall be carried out to ensure testing apparatus is functioning correctly prior to
mobilizing to site
2. Tests shall be performed no sooner than 3 to 7 days after casting depending on
concrete strength and shaft diameter
3. The access ducts shall be exposed and the protective top caps removed. And length of
each access duct will be recorded. If the access duct is blocked, record the depth of
blockage from the access duct top. Access ducts shall be filled to the top with clean
water
4. Center-to-center distance of exposed access duct also will be recorded.
Probe preparation
1. To obtain a good acoustic coupling between the probes and the water in the access
ducts, the probes shall be clean and free from all contaminants.
2. The functionality of the equipment should be checked according to the manufacturers
operation instructions. Check that test equipment and probes are functioning correctly
prior to actual testing by verifying that ultrasonic pulses are received in the recording
apparatus.
Obtaining Measurements with the apparatus
1. safety and any special instructions or manufacturers procedures pertaining to the
particular apparatus Employed shall be followed while testing in progress
2. The pair of access ducts being tested shall be recorded. The probe cable pulley guides
will be into the access ducts. Then the transmitter and receiver probes will be inserted
into these access ducts ensuring that the cables are engaged over the respective cable
pulley guides fixed at the access duct tops. If the access duct tops are not level, then
the probes will be places at the level of the lower access duct top.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

3. Test Apparatus will be adjusted, if necessary, selecting the transmitter power setting
and receiver gain required for the access duct separation distance and concrete
characteristics encountered such that an ultrasonic pulse with good amplitude can be
consistently obtained in a portion of deep foundation good quality. Return the probes to
the access duct bottoms
4. The deep foundation element top and bottom are more likely to contain contaminated
concrete than at intermediate locations. Setting the signal conditioning gains should be
done at an intermediate location along the element length. The gain setting may be
manually or automatically adjusted to adapt to different spacing between tested access
duct pairs so that good signal strength is maintained
5. Recording the ultrasonic pulses shall be begin as the probes are raised. Both the probes
will lifted by steadily pulling the probe cables simultaneously at a speed of ascent slow
enough to capture one ultrasonic pulse for each depth interval specified.
6. If an ultrasonic pulse is not obtained for any depth and the test repeated until all depth
intervals have an associated ultrasonic pulse.
Data Quality Checks:
1. After completing data acquisition, checks shall be carried on the ultrasonic profile
obtained and the ultrasonic profile quality.
2. Comparison shall be made on the length of the measured ultrasonic profile with the
measured access duct length. In comparing these measurements a correction should
be made to account for the length between the bottom of the probe assembly to the
exact point of the transmitter and receiver on the probe. The difference between the
corrected measurements shall not exceed 1 % of the measured length or 0.25 m,
whichever is larger.
3. The captured data are will be labeled with the deep foundation element identification,
identification of the two access ducts for the data set, date of test, identification of the
test operator, and any further necessary project information such as site and location
details as required.
Analysis of Measurements
1. Pile ultrasonic test shall be carried out by authorized third party laboratory. Test results
will be submitted to EMAL
Equipment
1. Weighted Measuring Tape
2. Probes
2. Transmitter/receiver Probe
4. Probe centralizer
5. Signal Transmission Cables
6. Data recording device and other necessary tools
7. Safety Precautions:
All the precautions shall be taken to ensure that load test is conducted without violating
any safety precautions in general. Area around the pile test will be barricaded using
safety ribbons and unauthorized persons will not be allowed inside the barricaded area.
All the jacks, pumps and hose pipes shall be checked before starting the test. The area
shall be adequately illuminated to enable working during night.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TESTS ON PILE
FOUNDATION

DATE : 24-OCT15
REV : 01

8. Related Forms:
1. Approved shop drawings.
2. Inspection request.
9. Attachments:
Risk Assessment
APPENDIX-A
METHOD STATEMENT- BRIEFING REGISTER
Project: EMIRATES ALUMINIUM SMELTER PROJECT
Date:

Sheet No:

Time:

Delivery by:

Induction Type: Task Specific (Detail): Construction of Anode Storage Building

I have been briefed of the contents of the above method statement regarding pile testing
procedures, I fully understand all that has been said to me. I have also had the opportunity to raise any
queries relating to the work that is to be carried out.
NO.

NAME (PRINT)

EMPLOYER
(PRINT)

SIGNATURE #

PAYROLL NO

1
2
3
4
5
6

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