Axial Pile Load Test

1. Additional Outcomes from Traditional PLTs:

Following is the additional graphs/charts that is obtained from the instrumented static pile load
test

1. Time-Load-Settlement @ pile head

a. Pile Head Settlement,
b. Settlement at Top of Overburden
c. Settlement at Overburden-Rock Interface
d. Settlement at Pile Bottom/Toe
2. Strain vs depth
3. Load Vs Depth
4. Load at Toe/Bottom of the Pile
5. Load Percentage Vs Depth
6. Load Vs Skin Friction during each loading increment
7. Skin Friction along the length of the Shaft
8. Strain @ each level

2. Equipment Used for the Installation

2.1 Vibrating wire strain gauges

In static load tests vibrating wire strain gages are generally used. Vibrating wire gages are by
design very robust, allowing for quick and
simple installations. The vibrating wire
strain gauge consists of a steel wire
stretched between two end blocks which
was attached to the reinforcement cage.
A tensioned steel wire is made to vibrate
by means of an electronic coil. This same
coil, in conjunction with
a permanent magnet is
able to measure the
frequency of this
vibration, which
changes as the strain in
the wire changes. The
concrete embedment
style has flanges at
each end to engage
the concrete. The
gauges are designed
for use in installations where they are cast directly into the mass of the concrete structure.

GEOKON vibrating wire type strain gauge model 4200 was installed inside the test pile at 5
designated levels. Each level comprises of four (4) nos. of strain gauge placed with 90º
separations.
2.2 Data Logging

`The data from the strain gauges were recorded by

using a Data Logger model no. DT 85, manufactured by
“DATATAKER PTY. LTD. AUSTRALIA” with a least count +-
0.01 % of full scale. The raw data recorded by the data
logger was later imported into a spreadsheet for further
calculations.

2.3 Telltale Rods

The telltale rods were installed

to measure the settlement of
pile bottom and pile section
near to overburden. Difference
between settlement values at
different levels shall be used to
identify the elastic shortening of
the pile. Preinstalled GI pipes
were used to provide access
for telltale rods. Displacement
transducers were used to
record the telltale movements.
2.4 Displacement Transducers

The measurement of Settlement/ movement is made using displacement transducers fixed

near the pile top. The transducers manufactured by Tokyo Sokki, Japan have a precision of
0.01mm and measuring range of 100 & 200mm was used in addition to the inclinometer. Four
transducers were mounted on the reference beam of test pile at approx. 50cms from top of
the pile and two in the reaction pile

2.5 Hydraulic Jacks

Compression Load was applied using one no. of hydraulic jack of 2000 tons capacity jacking
against the reaction system, connected to a pressure gauge and operated by a hydraulic
pump.
2.6 Reaction System

Reaction System has been setup by using Steel beams and reaction Piles.

2.7 Bearing Plates

Steel bearing plates of 50mm thickness were placed in between pile top and hydraulic jacks
for even distribution of load on the pile top.
2.8 Load Cells

Two Numbers of 1000 Ton Capacity Load cells were used to measure the load transferred
between jack and reaction system.