Paper No.
668
5. Introduction of bi-directional
vertical static pile load
testing for optimising cost
and construction period
Bhandra-Worli sea link project – Mumbai – the
1st project to be introduced for Bi-directional pile
load testing. Length of the piles reduced by 50% of
their design length totally saving of 500m of pile
length by using Bi-directional pile load testing.
The cost and time saving is proportional and
testing technology was introduced effectively and
efficiently. Same is the phenomenon wherever this
method is used.
Fig. 5 shows typical section of bi-directional static
testing arrangement.
Fig. 5 Bi-directional Static Load Test
5.1 Infrastructure activities in the country are on
a rapid pace and higher capacity piles are being
used. Mono piles meaning one pile per pier instead
of group of piles is also being practiced. Diameters
of piles have exceeded 2.00m, which can carry
more than 1000MT of vertical load. Initial pile
load tests will have to be carried out before start
of project for the purpose of design and approvals.
Typically piles having design load capacity of
1500MT, initial pile test shall be carried out for
3750 MT and routine pile test to be carried out for
2250 MT. In the present system of pile load testing,
usage of such heavy loads is not possible needing
introduction of bi-directional pile load testing.
76 Journal of the indian Roads Congress, July - September, 2017
5.2 Advantages
5.2.1 Economical
5.2.2 No additional reaction system required
5.2.3 It is absolutely safe compared to all other
similar systems.
5.2.4 We can measure side shear and end bearing
separately which is an important feature.
5.2.5 Extremely high capacity piles can be tested,
beyond 35000 MT.
5.2.6 This method can be used for drilled shafts
or cast-in-situ piles, driven piles, steel piles and
also for barrettes.
5.2.7 Very useful where space constraints like
urban area’s specially CBD area’s.
5.2.8 It can be used in flowing rivers or still back
waters of dams.
5.2.9 It is a boom for Metro-rail construction as
space available at middle or side of road is very
restricted.
5.2.10 The results need to be read in conjunction
with clause 709.2, 709.3 & 709.4 of IRC:78-2014
also with respect to IS-2911-Part-IV-2013.
5.2.11 This method can be used for initial as well
as routine piles.
5.2.12 This test is much faster compared to other
static tests.
5.3 Cost and Construction Time of the Pile
Foundations Reduced by Reducing
Uncertainty – Few Case Studies
5.3.1 Using this method designs of pile foundations
can be optimised for
a) Reduced length
b) Reduced diameter
c) Reduced in no. of piles
5.3.2 Reduced cost and construction time
5.4 Few Case Studies to Supplement
5.4.1 Case Study -1
Bandra – Worli Sea Link – Mumbai;
At the main pylon, based on Bi-directional pile
load test results, pile lengths were shortened to
approximately one-half length i.e., 50% reduction
resulting in more than 500 m pile length.