Dynamic Load Test

The ultimate strength of each pile must fulfill the structural and geotechnical limits for a safe
foundation to perform as required. A pile load test is a direct method of determining the
ultimate geotechnical capacity of the pile. Dynamic load testing with the aid of Pile Dynamic
Analyzer (PDA) is a fast and reliable way to evaluate the bearing capacity of the pile. This
testing can help you pick up the right pile type that can withstand the strains on the pile
during driving and gives cautious if the pile driving reaches its required length thus avoiding
unnecessary long piles. It also provides information about structural integrity, driving
stresses, and hammer efficiency. If a dynamic load test is out of the equation, then a static
load test can be performed

Static Load Test

Like the dynamic load test, a Static Load test can be done to evaluate the bearing capacity
of the pile. In the Static Load Test, the test load will be applied by hydraulic jacking against
Kent ledge (concrete blocks) with the load being measured by calibrated and certified
pressure gauges on the selected pile. The pile settlement will be recorded by means of dial
gauges registering against a reference beam; optical level may be used to confirm the
readings. The pile will be tested by increment loading according to the required standard
with the record kept of time, load and settlement. Interpretation of the pile load test will be
submitted to assess the pile capacity. The criteria for defining the load of the piles will be,
but not limited to the following:

 The load at which settlement continues to increases without any further increase of load.
 The load beyond which there is an increase in net settlement disproportionate to the increase in load.
To test the load, a minimum load applied during the test will be equal to 1.5 times the
working load. So it is important to identify the working load of the pile into consideration.

Pile Integrity Test

The integrity test is an essential part of quality control in either cast-in-place or pre-cast
concrete. This is because the possible structural defects from pile installation such as
cracks, changes in cross-sections and the like can be detected by the use of this method. It
is a Non-distracted Test (NDT) method that can evaluate the continuity and consistency of
pile material, length, and cross-sectional area. The standard procedure of the pile integrity
test has been in accordance with ASTM D5882.

Integrity test for cast-in-place concrete and pre-cast concrete with low strain method and
ultrasonic method provides acceleration and velocity. The primary shockwave which travels
down the length of the pile is reflected from the toe by the change in density between the
concrete and the substrate. However, any discontinuities and defects encountered within its
length will be reflected and added to the return signal. A hammer is used for impacting the
pile head and should be applied vertically with the pile. Several impacts are applied on the
top of the pile and the echoes are then being recorded for each individual impact by the use
of motion or acceleration transducer. This apparatus will provide signal conditioning and
integrate acceleration to obtain the velocity.
Since Integrity Test uses echoes or sounds to measure the pile discontinuities,
accelerations, and velocities, it does not provide any information regarding the pile bearing
capacity like the dynamic and static load test are capable of. It limits in evaluating the
section of the piles that are below the cracks that cross into the entire pile cross section. It is
always recommended that experienced professionals specialized in piling should handle
this type of testing.