Asia Pile Testing Services (M) Sdn Bhd   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (510785‐H) 

Method Statement For  
Dynamic Pile Monitoring And Testing 

This Statement details the procedure of high strain dynamic pile testing using the Pile Driving Analyzer
(PDA) and the analysis method. The test method is in accordance with ASTM D4945-96 and ICE (UK) standard.

East Coast Region

No. D780, Lorong Setongkol 208, Taman Bukit Setongkol, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang. TEL/FAX : 09-5161660 012-9212921

Head Office

No. 29-2, Blk C2, Jalan PJU 1/39, Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, TEL : 603-78802289 FAX : 603-78802287

CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001: 2008 CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001: 2008

CERT. NO.: AR5062 CERT. NO.: AR5062
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TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGES

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 2

2.0 Objectives......................................................................................................................................... 2
3.0 Background ...................................................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Dynamic Pile Testing .................................................................................................................................................. 3
3.2 Apparatus for Dynamic Measurement ........................................................................................................................ 3
4.0 Scope of work .................................................................................................................................. 4
5.0 Specification For Dynamic Pile Testing .......................................................................................... 4
5.1 Before to Pile Dynamic Testing .................................................................................................................................. 4
5.2 General ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
5.3 Initial preparation ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
5.4 Fixing the Strain Transducers and Accelerometers. .................................................................................................... 5
5.4.1 Preparation on fixing the Strain Transducers and Accelerometers ...................................................................... 5
5.4.2 Fixing the Strain Transducers and Accelerometer ............................................................................................... 5
5.5 Setting-up of Hammer................................................................................................................................................. 6
6.0 Test Procedure (During Dynamic Pile Testing)............................................................................... 6
6.2 Data Recording and Measuring ................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 1 : Sample Data Recorded ......................................................................................................................................... 8
6.3 Termination of Test..................................................................................................................................................... 9
7.0 After Dynamic Pile Testing ............................................................................................................. 9
8.0 Reporting.......................................................................................................................................... 9
8.1 Field Report ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
8.2 Final Reporting ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
9.0 DATA ASSESSMENT AND Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) ANALYSIS ..... 11
10.0 Compliance .................................................................................................................................. 13
11.0 COMPANY EXPERIENCE AND RESOURCES ...................................................................... 13
12.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE ........................................................................................................... 13
APPENDIX A ......................................................................................................................................... 15
APPENDIX B ......................................................................................................................................... 20

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Asia Pile Testing Services (M) Sdn Bhd is a Malaysia based company incorporated in
2000. It brings together the latest scientific and technological expertise to provide
specialist dynamic pile testing services and analysis. The firm owns and operates the Pile
Driving Analyzer (PDA)/Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) system of testing
which involves state-of-the-art equipment and computer software. This system is
well-known worldwide and has been used extensively throughout Asian and Pacific
regions.

Dynamic pile testing is performed using the Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA). The Pile Driving
Analyzer (PDA)/ Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) system has been
developed by Pile Dynamics Inc, USA and has been in use worldwide for more than 30
years. Dynamic pile testing is now officially recognized in the ASTM Standard D-4945-96
and ICE Piling Specifications (UK).

The Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) is both a field data acquisition unit as well as a computer
unit for onsite data assessment. The Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP)
computer software allows full and accurate analysis of the Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA)
field data, the Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) facility, is office based, and
will be available for the analysis data. Only an engineer with extensive experience
working with the Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) will analyze the data with the Case Pile
Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) program package. This will guarantee quality results.
Dynamic Pile Testing helps achieve a safe and economical driven pile installation.

Asia Pile Testing Services (M) Sdn Bhd maintains a close working relationship with Pile
Dynamics Inc., USA, the pioneer and manufacturer of the Pile Driving Analyzer®, In
addition, Asia Pile Testing Services (M) Sdn Bhd has obtained ISO 9001 certification for its
pile testing services. The engineers in charge of the project have extensive experience in
dynamic pile testing and geotechnical assessments of piled foundation.

2.0 Objectives

This proposal is to predict the pile drivability, determination of pile capacity and
driving stresses and as a quality assurance for the piling works as required in the
specifications.

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3.0 Background

3.1 Dynamic Pile Testing

Dynamic Pile Testing helps achieve a safe and

economical driven pile installation. During construction
test programs, Dynamic Pile Testing helps formulate
driving criteria. During the installation of production
piles, it assures that driving happens in accordance
with the established criterion. It gives information on soil
resistance at the time of testing and on driving
performance. Dynamic Pile Testing also reveals driving
stresses, helping prevents pile damage.

If damage is imminent, it shows an alert early enough

to save the pile from complete destruction. Dynamic
Pile Testing happens during driving in real time,
without slowing down construction. The real time on
screen results allows tracing changes in driving
characteristic in an easy manner.

3.2 Apparatus for Dynamic Measurement

The testing apparatus consist of Pile Driving Analyzer (Model PAK/PAL/PAX) that is
capable to displaying and recording the data, Strain Transducers that obtain
induce strain over time for an impact event and Accelerometers to be used to
obtain induced acceleration of pile particle over time for an impact event. Asia
Pile Testing Services (M) Sdn Bhd testing personnel shall submit the calibration
certificates of all strain transducers and accelerometers to be used for approval
of client/consultants/contractors prior testing.

The transducers and accelerometer shall be calibrated minimum once every

two years to the standard of ASTM Standard D-4945-96.

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The data measured by the strain transducers and accelerometer are transmitted
to the apparatus Pile Driving Analyzer (PAK/PAL/PAX) unit which capable of
recording and replaying the data for immediate on-site review of the force and
velocity traces of the test results.

4.0 Scope of work

The following test shall be performed at appropriate stage of construction as directed:

Numbers of pile subjected to Pile Dynamic Testing

i) At least _% of numbers of piles driven to all building.

ii) Non conformance pile.
iii) Consultant to give exact locations of pile subjected to Pile Dynamic
Testing.

5.0 Specification For Dynamic Pile Testing

The procedure of Dynamic Pile Testing during pile driving is based on the specification
according the ASTM D4945-96 and ICE Piling Specifications (UK).

5.1 Before to Pile Dynamic Testing

5.2 General
The contractors shall cooperate to ensure smooth execution of the Dynamic Pile
Test as instructed by the client/consultant/contractors by providing the
necessary assistance to the testing personnel.

5.3 Initial preparation

For driven piles the contractor shall prepared the piles, the piling point to be
driven as instructed by the client/contractors/consultants. The contractors shall
prepare a safe working space for the testing personnel during testing.

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5.4 Fixing the Strain Transducers and Accelerometers.

5.4.1 Preparation on fixing the Strain Transducers and Accelerometers

Dynamic testing involves attaching
at least two strain transducers and
two accelerometers to the pile near
the pile head prior the initial driving
with 3 nos. each of 6mm diameter
holes are drilled on opposite sides of
the pile. The minimum distance from
the pile head shall be 1.5 times the
pile diameter or at the safe distance
so that the gages are not damage
by the lifting of the pile prior to
dynamic test.

5.4.2 Fixing the Strain Transducers and Accelerometer

A minimum of two strain transducers and two
accelerometers shall be used for the dynamic testing.
The gauges are then attached to the pile using
Ramset plugs. Dynamic measurement of force and
velocity will be collected by gauges attached to the
pile. The Strain Transducers and Accelerometers shall
be fixed near pile head or at the safe distance from
the pile head to avoid damage during hoisting of the
pile.

A cable or wireless transmission connects the sensors

near the pile head with the Pile Driving Analyzer
located a safe distance from the pile before hoisting
the pile segment to the installation point.

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5.5 Setting-up of Hammer

The client will supply and operate the machinery for lifting
the pile prior Dynamic Pile Test and piling hammer to induce
a driving force on to the pile.

The hammer must be concentric to the pile and aligned

axially to the pile. A stable mean of guide system shall be
provided to facilitate the positioning of hammer and for
safety reason.

An adequate hammer and pile cushion shall be provided to

control the driving stress or as instructed by the
client/consultants/contractors.

6.0 Test Procedure (During Dynamic Pile Testing)

6.1 Internal Calibration (Calibration Test During Dynamic Pile Testing)

Internal calibration check shall be preformed for

the apparatus prior to the commencement of the
test foe each selected test piles.

Before the Pile Dynamic test to be performed a

calibration test must be done to ensure that the Pile
Driving Analyzer (PDA) hardware is in calibration
and the sensor will work during the impact is
applied.

This calibration test done corresponds to the 1st

blows that were included in the Pile Driving
Analyzer (PDA) data for all the testing.

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The Calibration Test be made to assure sensors are working correctly and a square and
triangle shape should be observed.

If the triangle is distorted, the Calibration Test must be made again until a square and
triangle is observed. This can be due to poor sensor attachment, faulty sensor or bad
cable connection and must be check and replaced. (See figure 2a & 2b)

During Calibration Test the PAK system applies a self checking set-up feature and
automatic balancing of signal and signal conditioning to ensure good data acquisition.

The Calibration Test is done to ensure the PILE DRIVING ANALYZER (PDA) hardware is in
calibration and the sensor will work during data taking. (For PAK and PAX system and
sensor quality check only)

6.2 Data Recording and Measuring

When the pile driving hammer impacts the pile top, accelerometers and strain
transducers attached to it obtain data that is converted to velocity and force readings.
The measurements will be displayed with a Pile Driving Analyzer® (PDA).

The test shall commence with relatively low hammer drop for checking of proper of all
the test apparatus and the initial assessment of the data measured. Based in the initial
data quality the test setting-up and apparatus shall be adjusted or rectified if necessary.
Subsequently, impact of sufficient energy shall be delivered according to the
appropriate drop as instructed by the client/consultant/contractors. The Pile Driving
Analyzer® (PDA) shall acquire, record, displayed and store the dynamic data of each
impact for an adequate sampling duration to the predetermined installation criteria.

The force and velocity versus time signal shall be displayed on site by the test apparatus
to evaluate the capacity, pile condition and the driving condition

The Pile Driving Analyzer® (PDA) will provide onsite results such as:-

1. RMX - Mobilized static load capacity based on the CASE method.

2. BTA - Pile Integrity – location and extent of damage.
3. CSX - Pile stresses – maximum compression forces at pile top.
4. EMX -Hammer Performance – maximum energy transferred to the pile.
5. TSX - Pile stresses – maximum tension forces at pile top.

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Figure 1 : Sample Data Recorded

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6.3 Termination of Test

Pile Dynamic Testing shall be terminated concurrently with the installation of the pile or as
directed by the client/consultants/contractors or of the following conditions:-

1. The mobilized capacity achieve the specified test load

2. The induced driving stress achieves the specified limits.
3. The integrity of the pile starts to deteriorate and unsatisfactory
4. The ultimate pile capacity is achieve to the specified criteria

7.0 After Dynamic Pile Testing

The field instrumentation data will be processed and the following values will be calculated on
completion of driving (see 8.1 Field reporting):

1. Energy of the hammer actually transmitted to the pile.

2. Efficiency of the hammer at different operating pressures, strokes, etc.
3. Total soil resistance, skin friction and tip resistance during driving.
4. Magnitude of pile driving stress at the measured location.

8.0 Reporting

8.1 Field Report

A field report will be prepared on completion of the field work, incorporating results of
the tested piles together with the details of pile instrumentation and recording
equipment, records of field measurements made and analysis of the measured data.
Testing personnel shall report directly to the client/consultants/contractors immediately.

These shall include the following: -

1. The assumed damping factor

2. The assumed wavespeed
3. The maximum force applied to the pile head
4. The maximum pile head velocity
5. The maximum energy imparted to the pile
6. The maximum tension force experience by the pile
7. The field estimated static resistance
8. The maximum driving stresses

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8.2 Final Reporting

Initial results are normally available within two working days of the completion of
each test. The fields data will be analyze using the Case Pile Wave Analysis
Program (CAPWAP) analysis program (see 9.0-Data Assessment and CAPWAP
Analysis).

A full report shall be submitted within 7 days of the completion of testing. This
report shall include the following: -

1. Report all information given in preliminary report

2. Information of pile size and working load
3. Date of pile installation
4. Date of test
5. Pile identification and location
6. Length of pile below existing surface
7. Total pile length, including projection above existing surface at time of
testing
8. Length of pile from instrumentation position to pile toe
9. Hammer type
10. Best estimated static capacity
11. Pile integrity
12. Force/velocity versus time trace
13. Computed load versus settlement
14. Gauges calibration certificate

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9.0 DATA ASSESSMENT AND Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) ANALYSIS

Data obtained during Pile Dynamic Testing may be used to determine bearing capacity
with CAPWAP.

The pile top force and velocity signals recorded in the field will be processed and a
representative will be selected for further analysis using the Case Pile Wave Analysis
Program (CAPWAP) suite of computer software.

Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) analysis involves applying the measurement
pile top force/velocity time record as a boundary condition to a wave equation model
of the pile comprising of continuous segments.

The soil model is continuously adjusted in an iterative procedure until the computed pile
top force time record is in close agreement to the measured pile top force time record.
When goods agreements is obtained between measured and computed pile top data
the soil resistance parameters are assumed to provide the best accurate model of the
actual soil behavior

A typical presentation of the Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) results will be
as follows:-

1. Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) model – a match curve of

computed pile top force to the measured pile top force time record.
2. Total computed soil capacity – sum of Skin Friction and Toe Bearing.
3. Computed Load against Settlement curve.

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Figure 2: Sample Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) Analysis Program

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10.0 Compliance

Dynamic Pile tESTING is based on the Case Method of pile testing and is known as the
High Strain Method. It is covered by ASTM D4945-96 Standard Test Method for High-Strain
Dynamic Testing of Piles and ICE Piling Specifications (UK).

11.0 COMPANY EXPERIENCE AND RESOURCES

Asia Pile Testing Services (M) Sdn Bhd is incorporated in Malaysia. The engineer handing
the job has been involved in routine dynamic pile testing services in the local
construction industry since 1990. Vast experience has been accumulated by the
engineer with the successful completion of over 1000 projects in Malaysia, Indonesia,
and Brunei.

12.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality control is the single most important element in a successful dynamic test. Every
stage in setting up and operation of the testing is subjected to thorough quality
assurance checking procedures. The equipment has many inbuilt checking routines and
signals warning display.

Quality assurance procedures are also followed in data processing and Case Pile Wave
Analysis Program (CAPWAP) analysis. Check reviews and re-analysis will be carried out
prior to final reporting.

The international acceptance of PILE DRIVING ANALYZER (PDA)/ Case Pile Wave
Analysis Program (CAPWAP) system and the proposal to use geotechnical engineers
trained and experienced in the application of the system are the key issues in providing
the necessary quality assurance.

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Figure 3 : Gauges arrangement for piles.

GAUGES ARRANGEMENT FOR CONCRETE PILE GAUGES ARRANGEMENT FOR PIPE PILE

GAUGES ARRANGEMENT FOR TIMBER PILE GAUGES ARRANGEMENT FOR “H” PILE

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APPENDIX A

PDA EQUIPMENT BROCHURES

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APPENDIX B

TECHNICAL PAPER

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