Pile Dynamic Test: PDT As a supplement to or replacement for static tests, dynamic tests for load capacity assessment

t take far less time to perform and thus reduces the cost of assessment.

Code Modified Hileys formula as given in IS-2911, PART 1, SECTION 1.

Equipment used A steel cap with timber cushioning between steel & pile head is provided. The instrument and laptop computers is set up at distance away from the vibrations due to impact. Prismatic long ranged reflector.

Test basis The methodology of test is based on large weight

The transmitter & receiver are installed so that the light beam forms a reference line from the transmitter, receiver to the prism group reflector.The reflected light can be received & recorded 100 times per second. Using the energy transmitted to the pile & accounting for

temporary compression of the pile, ground & dolly occurring during the impact loading the ultimate driving resistance is calculated using Modified Hileys Formula. Modified Hileys Formula. R=Whn / s + c / 2). Where R = Ultimate driving resistance in tones, W= Mass of Ram in tones, h = Height of free fall in cm considered at 80% for which operated drop, n = Efficiency of the blow representing ratio of energy after impact to striking energy of ram, s = Average final set per blow in cm, c = Average sum of temporary elastic compression. Applying the factor of safety , the safe load for the pile is then calculated. Methodology Prepare the head and put sand cushion the pile head. Put wooden dolly on the sand cushion, and Put steel plate on the wooden dolly. Install primatic reflector on the pile side. Connect the laptop to the dynamic recorder. Adjust the height of the ram and leave the ram for impact with chisel on the steel plate. Record the position of the prismatic reflector (more than 100 readings per second with a accuracy of 01mm on the system.

Influencing factors for readings Lack of free fall due to obstacles in the path of chisel like a dual pulley system, obstruction of the pulley rope etc. usually affects the results. Lower weight of the chisel than specified , affects the results. Inherent vibrations due to the diesel engines used for pile wiches induce a constant displacement in the underlying soil. Care to be taken to place the measuring instrument away from the

Interpreting Results The test considers average/best of 4 blows using discretion of the agency conducting the test. It is a known fact that during the first blow, the settlement is larger. The results are corelated with other parameters before arriving at a final conclusion. The results from the test must be correlated with a test pile to arrive at reasonable benchmark. Information required before testing from the customer site are Pile records (total length, socketing length etc.), soil profile in the area, pile drawings, plans and Mix design (if used) details of grade of concrete.