71 AS 2159-2(]l)9

APPENDIX A
STATIC LOAD TEST
(Normative)

A1 GENERAL
This Appendix sets out test methods for proof and geotechnical ultimate static load tests.
Details of the testing procedure and any modification shall be set out on the ‘Schedule of
load test requiiements’ A typical form for schedule of load test requirements is shown in
Figure AI.

A2 PREPARATION AND APPARATUS

A2.I Preparation for testing
The pile head shall be prepared to allow application of the load coaxial with the pile axis
for compression or tension tests and perpendicular to the pile axis for a lateral load test. The
preparation shall enable the test load to be transmitted to the pile (e.g., through a steel
bearing plate or other arrangement) with negligible local damage or distortion to the pile
head.
NOTE: Any extension of the pile for the purpose of carrying out the test should be coaxial with
the original piie and be of sufficient strength to sustain the proposed test loading.
A2.2 Reaction system
The test load shall be applied to the pile by jacking against a reaction system. The resultant
force shall be coaxial with the pile for tension and compression tests and perpendicular to
the pile for lateral load tests.
The reaction system may comprise ground or rock anchors, kentledge or reaction piles.
The reaction system shall be stable and shall provide safe access as required for testing
personnel.
Minimum distances from the test pile centre-line to anchorages, kentledge supports and
reaction piles shall be as follows:
(a) Anchorages Where ground anchors are used to provide a test reaction—
(i) no part of the bonded section of the anchor shall be closer to the centre-line of
the pile than 3 times the shaft diameter of the pile; and
(ii) where the test pile has an enlarged base, no part of the bonded section of the
anchor shall be closer to the pile base centre-line than a distance equal to the
base diameter.
NOTE: If two anchors are used, one at each end of the loading beam, precautions should be
taken to prevent any tendency for lateral buckling of the beam.
(b) Kenlledge Where kentledge is used to provide a test reaction—
(i) loads shall not be applied by supporting the kentleclge directly on the pile or
pile cap;
(ii) no part of the kentledge support system shall be closer to the pile centre-line
than a distance of 2.5 times the shaft diameter of the pile; and

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 AS 2l59—2ll09 72

(iii) the weight of the kentledge shall be transferred to the ground in a manner such
that-
(A) the load is transferred symmetrically around the pile head;
(B) the stability of the kentledge is maintained at all times; and
(C) any tendency of the kentledge to tilt or sway is minimized.
(c) Reaction piles Where reaction piles are used to provide a test reaction, the centre-to-
centre spacing between vertical reaction piles and the test pile shall be not less than
the greater of~—
(i) 5 times the test pile diameter; and
(ii) 2.5 m.
NOTES:
1 Non-displacement piles should be used to provide reaction for test loading in preference to
displacement piles. Non-displacement piles may be installed before or after the pile to be
tested.
2 If displacement reaction piles are to be used then, wherever practicable, they should be
installed prior to the installation ofthe test pile.
3 Where a working pile is used as a reaction pile that is loaded in tension, displacement of the
pile should be monitored throughout the test, and appropriate measures (e.g., redriving the
pile) should be taken to ensure that any permanent displacement of the reaction pile does not
affect its in-service performance.
4 Where reaction piles are used, the design of the reaction piles should consider potentiai
interaction with the test pile and, if possible, the zones where soil resistance is developed for
the test pile and the reaction piles should be separated as far as practicable. It is preferable
that reaction anchors with anchor zones located below the tip of the test pile are used, rather
than reaction piles.
Departures from these minimum distances shall be permitted provided an assessment of the
interaction between the test pile and the reaction system is made. Details of any such
interaction assessment shall be included i11 the pile test report.
A2.3 Equipment for loading and test measurement
A2.3.1 General
Equipment for applying the test load shall—
(a) have a load capacity not less than the maximum required load specified in the
Schedule;
(b) be capable of accommodating the maximum required pile movement specified in the
Schedule plus the displacement of the reaction system that occurs during loading;
(c) be capable of applying a controlled increase or decrease in load; and
(d) be capable (in the case of a sustained load test) of maintaining a constant load for the
specified period.
A2.3.2 it/Ieasnremenf of load
Load cells shall be used to measure load and shall maintain stable calibration during testing.
The load measuring device shall——
(a) unless otherwise specified, be accurate to within 2% of the indicated load and of
stable construction; and
(b) have a calibration certificate issued within the preceding six months.
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AcOLceAsNDed NOTE: A calibrated jack and manometer system is not considered to fulfil the requirements of
this Clause.

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 75 AS 2159-2009

TABLE A1
LOADING PROGRAM-“COMPRESSION TEST PROCEDURE
l‘ . . .
Load =1 1\I1n|nmm loatl dnr:-1t10n
Min
Stage S1 (proof and ultimate tests) 20% P, 20 min
Loading to P, 40% P5 20 1ni11
60% P, 20 min
00% P, 20 mi11
100% P, 4 11
Stage S2 (proof and ultimate tests): 30% P, 10 min
Unloading from PS 0% P, 20 min
Stage G1 (proof and ultimate tests): 30% Pg 20 min
Loading to P5 40% Pg 20 min
50% P8 20 min
60% Pg 20 min
10% Pg 20 min
s0% Pg 20 min
90% P8 20 min
100% PB 1 h
l 10% P8 20 min
Further increments of 10% Pg 20 min each increment
Stage Ul (ultimate tests only): bl lo d Hold only if Pu exceeds
Pu or maximum allow a etet . .
Loading to Pu 5 a maxnnnm available test load
Stage U2 (ultimate tests only):
O ll) min
Unloading from to Pu
Stage G2 (proof and nltiinate tests): Loading decrements of 20% Pg I0 min each decrement
Unloading from Pg 100% P8 I0 111511
00% P8 I0 min
60% Pg I0 min
40% Pg l0 min
20% Pg I0 min

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