SECTION 3

PILING

3.1 GENERAL

All piling work shall be executed in accordance with the drawings, this Specification and
all current Codes of Practice. The Contractor shall maintain records and perform tests, as
the SO may deem necessary for ensuring compliance with various provision of this
Specification. All technical submission whether permanent or temporary, shall be properly
substantiated, duly endorsed by a Professional Engineer and submitted for review and or
record by the Consulting Engineer.

3.2 PILE LAYOUT

The Contractor shall submit in his tender, his proposal for the size, number of the piles
required to carry the superstructure loads and a fully dimensioned piling layout plan for the
whole to suit the system proposed.

3.3 MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE WORKING LOADS

The Contractor shall install working piles to such depths of penetration as are necessary
for each pile to develop a load carrying capacity of not less than the full test load (working
load test) before failure occurs. Failure shall be as defined in 3.18.

The maximum permissible working load of any pile shall not be more than the designed
allowable strength of the section used. This maximum shall be reduced as necessary
depending on the nature of the site, the equipment used for installing the piles, the results
of load tests, the likelihood of heaving and any other factor, which may adversely affect the
load carrying capacity of the pile.

3.4 CHECKING OF PILE ALIGNMENTS AND CUT-OFF

The Contractor shall be responsible for the arrangement and provision for all necessary
labour, materials and equipment for the checking of pile alignments, cut-off levels and
rake. The method of checking and the form of recording shall be approved by the SO.

All checking shall be carried out in the presence of the SO. On completion of checking, the
Contractor shall submit a signed copy of the recorded results to the SO.

All Pile eccentricity measurement shall be carried out by a licensed Surveyor and submit
on proper drawing duly endorsed to the S.O.

3.5 DATUM AND REFERENCES PEGS

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding the position and level of all survey
pegs and benchmarks used for the setting out of the works.

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3.6 GROUND LEVELS

Existing ground levels at the pile positions shall be determined and agreed between the
Contractor and the SO before piling work starts. The ground levels so determined and
agreed upon shall be used as a basis for the determination of the pay length of the piles.

3.7 SOIL INVESTIGATION DATA

The Contractor shall be solely responsible for obtaining all information on the nature of the
site and sub-surface for the purpose of preparing the tender and the subsequent execution
of the Contract. The Contractor may, at his own expense, conduct soil investigation
provided he has obtained the SO’s prior approval in writing. SO shall be supplied free of
charge with one (1) copies of the results of all such investigations conducted.

Where results of sub-surface investigation are supplied to the Contractor, they shall be
deemed to have been provided solely for his convenience only and not meant to form the
basis of tendering. Furthermore, they shall not form part of the Contract Documents. The
provision of such data shall in no way relieve the Contractor of his responsibilities under
the above paragraph. The Client shall NOT be held liable for any lack of trueness
accuracy of adequacy of the data supplied.

3.8 CONTRACTOR'S DESIGN OF PILES

The Contractor's design and specification shall comply with BS 8004 and this
Specification, unless he has reasons acceptable to the SO for departing there from. The
minimum factor of safety against failure shall not be less than 2.5. In addition, the
settlement of pile under full test load for working load test shall not exceed the maximum
value allowed in 3.18. It shall be his responsibility to itemize and refer each and every
departure from the Code or this Specification to the SO for consideration and written
approval before implementing the work. In matters not specifically covered by the Code
and this Specification, the Contractor's proposals shall be in accordance with accepted
principles of good foundation engineering practice and shall also be subject to the SO's
approval.

If at any stage during the progress of the work, it is discovered that the Contractor has
failed to comply with the provisions in the preceding paragraphs, such works as completed
shall be liable for rejection without any payment to the Contractor.

3.9 GUARANTEE OF PILES

The Contractor shall guarantee that the piles will carry the working loads specified within
specified factor of safety, and will support the working loads without progressive
settlement. The guarantee shall be operative for a period extending to eighteen (18) months
from the issue of the Final Certificate of Completion of the structures concerned.

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In the event of failure of any piles within one (1) year of such relevant Certificate of
Completion, the Contractor shall take such measures at his own cost as the SO may deem
necessary to provide equivalent foundations for the structures concerned and shall at his
own cost carry out any repairs to the structures which the SO may consider necessary as a
result of any pile failure.

3.10 HANDLING, PITCHING AND INSTALLATION OF PILES

Piles shall not be lifted otherwise than by slinging from approved lifting holes of points.
For each section, lifting points shall be clearly marked.

Before the commencement of driving, each pile (of the driving tube) and the leaders or
guides of the pile frame shall be checked for correct rake or plumb and such rake of plumb
shall be maintained during driving. At no time during the driving operation shall the center
of the hammer or hydraulic ram be more than 40mm off the center of the pile being driven.

During driving, the heads of piles shall be protected by a helmet and dolly, which shall be
renewed as often as necessary to prevent damage to the pile. Followers shall not be used
without the approval of the SO. All pile installations shall be carried in the presence of the
SO. Checking and measurement of plumb, alignment, rake, set and temporary compression
shall be made as and when necessary of as directed by the SO and in his presence.

Piles shall not be installed unnecessarily beyond the depth required for them to develop the
required load carrying capacity. The Contractor shall state sound and acceptable basis for
determining the penetration required for all the piles. No payment shall be made for extra
penetration or bored length, which the Contractor cannot technically justify.

The Contractor shall cover up and protect the works from the weather and suspend all
operation, which, in the opinion of the SO, would be detrimental to the works.

Piles shall be maintained in their correct positions by means of guys or guides of other
approved methods but no pile that has been deflected from its course during driving or
wrongly aligned shall be brought forcibly back to the correct alignment. During driving,
any piles deviating beyond the limits specified in 3.13 and to such an extent that the
resulting eccentricity cannot be taken care of by a redesign of the pile cap or pile ties shall,
at the discretion of the SO, be replaced or supplemented by one or more additional piles.

When a final set is being measured, the following requirement shall be met:

(i) The exposed part of the pile shall be in good condition without damage or
distortion.

(ii) The dolly and packing, if any, shall be in sound condition.

(iii) The hammer blow shall be in line with the pile axis and the impact surface shall be
flat and at right angle to the pile and hammer axis.

(iv) The hammer shall be in good condition and shall perform correctly according to
manufacturer’s specification.

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The machine used for the installation of piles shall be of such type and capacity as to meet
the approval of the SO. The selection of hammer type shall be in general be in accordance
with Clause [Link].2 and/or Clause [Link].2 of BS [Link] shall be the responsibility of
the Contractor to provide a hammer of sufficient capacity and to control the drop of the
ram so as to ensure that no pile is damaged during driving.

3.11 MARKING OF PILES

Each pile shall be clearly marked in paint with its number and its overall length. In
addition, each pile shall be marked at intervals of 300mm to enable easy determination of
pile penetration. Where necessary, the intervals shall be reduced as directed by the SO.

3.12 SETTING OUT

The Contractor shall be responsible for establishing and locating all lines, levels and
positions of all piles. He shall engage a Licensed Surveyor for the above work. The
Contractor shall submit for approval two copies of setting out plan signed by the Licensed
Surveyor before the commencement of piling work. The Contractor shall provide all
necessary equipment, tools, labour and any assistance required by the SO for the checking
of the setting out of each pile.

The acceptance of the final position of each pile shall not relieve the Contractor of his
responsibility of all remedial works required as a result of inaccuracies in the positions of
piles installed. The Contractor shall submit three (3) copies of "as built" drawings
showing the actual positions, inclinations and eccentricities of the piles at their cut-off
levels, duly endorsed by the Licensed Surveyor.

3.13 TOLERANCES

3.13.1 Position and Verticality

The positional and verticality tolerances of vertical piles shall not exceed the following
limits:
Positional Verticality
Tolerance Tolerance

i) Single driven pile 50mm 1:75

(1 horizontal to
75 vertical)
ii)Single bored or 75mm 1:75
driven cast-in place pile (1 horizontal to
75 vertical)

The above limits shall also apply for piles installed in a single line.

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For pile group of three or more piles not installed in a single line, the positional tolerance
of the individual pile in the group shall not exceed the above limits and, the positional
tolerance of the centre of gravity of the pile group shall be 75mm. The Contractor shall
bear the cost for any necessary enlargement of the pile cap due to eccentricities of piles in
this case.

Any pile or pile group with position and verticality deviating more than the above-
mentioned limits shall be liable for rejection and shall be replaced when instructed by the
SO. Alternatively, the Contractor may propose modifications to the pile cap or any
remedial work all at his own cost, subject to the SO's approval.

3.13.2 Rake

The piling rig shall be set and maintained to attain the specified rake. The maximum
permissible deviation of the finished pile from the specified rake is 1 in 25.

3.14 REPLACEMENT OF PILES

Any pile cracked, deformed, twisted or otherwise damaged in any manner or not installed
within the specified tolerance shall be rejected at the discretion of the SO and replaced with
substitute piles or supplemented by additional piles by the Contractor at his expense.

In addition, the Contractor shall bear the extra costs occasioned by such rejection due to
increased size of pile caps, strengthening of tie beams, etc. Costs shall be assessed at
contract rates if the remedial work is to be carried out by others

3.15 RISEN PILES

During the process of driving piles, observations and measurements shall be made at the
site by any suitable method so chosen by the SO to determine whether a pile has risen as a
result of driving adjacent piles. The Contractor shall provide the necessary tools,
instruments and any other assistance required by the SO to make these measurements.

Risen piles shall be re-driven to the original depth or resistance, unless tests have shown
this to be unnecessary. Such tests shall be conducted at the expanse of the Contractor
under the direction of the SO. If the system uses sections, which are inadequately designed
against driving stresses, the pile shall be jacked down to its original position.

The Contractor shall not be entitled to payment for re-driving or jacking down risen piles.

3.16 SEQUENCE OF PILING

The Contractor shall first obtain the SO's approval for his proposed sequence of
installation of piles in a group or in close proximity before implementation. The SO
reserves the right to order changes to the approved sequence of piling if, based on work
completed, he considers it necessary to do so. The Contractor shall not be entitled to claim
extra payment for additional plant movements, etc resulting from such an order.

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3.17 PILING RECORDS

The Contractor shall keep a record of each pile installed and shall furnish signed copies to
the SO daily. The information required and the format of records shall be in standard
formats as approved by the SO. As and when required, the SO may ask for additional
information or modify the standard formats. Such forms shall be provided by the
Contractor before the commencement of piling work at his expense.

For bored piles, samples and details of strata drilled shall be recorded and submitted.

3.18 LOAD TEST ON PILES

3.18.1 Ultimate Load Tests

The Contractor shall provide test piles for ultimate load tests where specified before the
installation of the working piles. The test piles shall be installed separately from the
working piles and in positions agreed by the SO. Test piles shall be installed in an
approved manner to a predetermined depth. The SO may order the interruption of the test
pile installation for the purpose of instrumentation. The Contractor is deemed to have
allowed for the cost of interruptions. All test piles shall be fully instrumented and designed
by a qualified Professional Engineer from the Specialist testing agency. The cost of
instrumentation shall be priced separately.

The performance of the test piles under driving and later under test load will be used to
determine the bearing capacities of the working piles and driving criteria. The load test on
preliminary test pile shall not be implemented until at least 7 days have elapsed after
driving has been completed or until concrete has reached its specified strength for cast-in-
place piles.

Ultimate load test shall be done on preliminary test piles only, and not on working piles.
The data obtained from this test shall be used to determine or confirm the design criteria to
be adopted. When the Contractor submits his tender, he shall define the ratio of his design
working load to the ultimate load which will be certified in the load test, for the agreement
by the SO. The ratio shall not be less than 1:2½.

The ultimate load shall be computed as recommended in Clause 7.5 of BS 8440.

Based on the results of the tests, the SO may require the Contractor to modify his design
capacity assumed for the piles. The Contractor shall not be entitled to any extra payment
as a result of such change.

The building up of load prior to the estimated ultimate load shall generally not be less than
eight equal increments for any load test. However, the increments immediately before and
after this estimated ultimate load should be reduced to define more accurately the load
settlement curve to determine the actual ultimate load capacity of the pile.

The Contractor shall allow for all labour, equipment and materials for the test including
the construction of the load staging, supports required for the deflection gauges and
calibration in an approved laboratory of all jacks and gauges before and after each test
when required by the SO.

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The Contractor shall submit the ultimate load test proposal including design, method
statement, instrumentation, set up, supervising personal and report presentation for the
SO's approval prior to commencement of the test pile installation. The Contractor shall
provide, install and take readings of all necessary instrumentation including sufficient
strain gauges and extensometers for each subsoil stratum encountered, dial gauges, etc at
his own cost in order that the skin friction of each subsoil stratum and the end bearing of
the pile can be accurately established. The Contractor shall notify the SO of the time and
date of the test 7 days before the commencement of a test.

The ultimate load test should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified
Professional Engineer with good experience in pile loading tests. The method statement of
the ultimate load test shall give full details of the proposed methods, equipment
specifications and precautions to be taken for the proper installation and monitoring of
piles instrumentation, and the criterion and procedure for interpretation of results obtained,
including and other relevant information required by the SO. Prior to the tests, the
instruments and necessary monitoring equipment shall be checked to ensure all parts are
functioning satisfactorily.

The results of the pile instrumentation and monitoring programme shall be presented in a
report prepared by the qualified Professional Engineer. The report shall include a
comprehensive engineering analysis of the test data, taking into consideration the soil
condition and any other relevant factors. Two sets of an interim report shall be submitted
to the SO within 3 working days after the completion of each ultimate load test, and two
set of a final comprehensive report shall follow 7 days later. The qualified Professional
Engineer shall require to correlate the results of pile instrumentation with that of the
ultimate load test and against the soil information available in the soil report from
exploratory borehole located in the vicinity of test piles.

The Contractor shall make every necessary allowance for the proper execution of the
instrumentation programme and testing. The Contractor shall not allowed to claim for
extra time and cost to the contract on all matter arising from the execution of pile
instrumentation, testing and reporting. The Contractors' costs to comply the requirements
in the Specification shall deem to be covered in the rate of the ultimate load tests in the bill
of quantities.

All temporary works submission and test report shall be endorsed by a qualified
Professional Engineer.

3.18.2 Abandonment of Pile Test

A test shall be abandoned if it has to be discontinued due to:

(i) pre-jacking or pre-loading before the commencement of the test
(ii) improper setting of datum
(iii) disturbed or unstable bench marks or scales
(iv) faulty jack or gauges
(v) failure of pile cap or instability of the kentledge
(vi) failure of the pile materials
(vii) failure of concrete to reach the design compressive strength

The cost of the abandoned test shall be borne by the Contractor and he shall carry out one
further test to the SO's instruction.

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3.18.3 Working Load Tests

Working load tests shall be carried out on working piles selected by the SO. A load test
may be conducted on a single or on a group of two or more piles.

The test load of a working load test shall be twice the designed working load of the pile or
as specified by the Engineer.

The Contractor shall supply everything necessary for the performance of the tests. Pile
caps for load tests, if used, shall be designed and constructed by the Contractor to the
approval of the SO. The cost of such pile caps shall be deemed to have been included in
the Contract Sum.

3.19 METHOD OF LOAD TEST

The test load shall be applied by jacking against a reaction system. The reaction system
shall be any of the following:

* kentledge reaction system

* tension pile reaction system
* ground anchor tension system

The scales, hydraulic jacks and related pressure gauges shall be approved by the SO before
any load test is made. They shall be calibrated and tested by an approved laboratory
before each use. The calibration charts and test certificate shall be submitted to the SO.
The Contractor shall take all precautionary measures as instructed by the SO to prevent
any interference with the apparatus during the period of load test. All expenses incurred in
relation to the load test shall be deemed to have been included in the Contract Sum.

The test load shall be applied in eight equal increments for any load test. The number of
increments may be increased or decreased depending on the value of the full test load. For
each load increment, the load shall be maintained for a minimum period of 1 hour or until
equilibrium is reached, whichever is greater. Equilibrium shall mean a rate of settlement
not exceeding 0.1mm in 20 minutes.

For working load test, when the loading has been completed, the full test load shall remain
in place for a minimum period of 24 hours or until final equilibrium is reached, whichever
is greater. Final equilibrium shall mean a rate of settlement not exceeding 0.15mm in 1
hour. For both ultimate and working load tests, the test load shall be removed in not less
than four decrements with intervals of not less than 1 hour. The final rebound shall be
recorded 24 hours after the entire test load has been removed.

The exact tonnage for each increment or decrement shall be determined by the SO. The
period between increments and decrements may be prolonged or shortened at the discretion
of the SO who shall take into consideration the behavior of the pile under test.

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3.20 MEASUREMENT OF SETTLEMENT

Measurement of settlement shall conform to BS 8004. For each test, two signed copies of
the field readings and the graphs shall be submitted to the SO within 3 working days on
completion of the test.

3.21 FAILURE OF WORKING LOAD TEST

3.21.1 Failure of Pile

Unless otherwise specified, a pile or pile group under test shall be deemed to have failed if
any of the following observations is recorded:

1. The maximum settlement under working load exceeds 10.0mm for piles with nominal
working load less than or equal to 65 tonnes, or 0.2mm per tonne of nominal working
load for piles with nominal working load greater than 65 tonnes subject to a maximum
of 20mm.

2. The maximum settlement under twice the working load exceeds 20mm, or 10% of the
pile diameter/width whichever is the lower value.

3. The permanent or residual settlement after removal of the test load exceeds 5mm for
piles with nominal working load less than or equal to 100 tonnes, or 0.05mm per tonne
of nominal working load for piles with nominal working load greater than 100 tonnes
subject to a maximum of 10mm.

4. Failure of the pile materials (due to suspected defects in the pile).

5. Failure of concrete to reach the design compressive strength.

Any pile or pile group, which fails under the above, stated conditions should be replaced
by one or more piles to be installed as directed by the SO. If, in the opinion of the SO, it is
impractical or inadvisable to install substitute piles in place of a failed pile, the Contractor
shall submit proposals to rectify the defect. The proposals are subject to the approval of
the SO.

In addition, the Contractor shall at his expense carry out two more tests with a total test
load not exceeding one and a half the test load of the failed test. The piles for these tests
shall be selected by the SO.

3.21.2 Abandonment of Pile Test

The load test shall be deemed to have failed if any of the following observations is reached:

(i) the test cannot be completed due to instability of the kentledge

(ii) prejacking or pre-loading before the commencement of the test
(iii) failure of the pile cap
(iv) improper setting of datum
(v) disturbed or unstable bench marks or scales

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(vi) the scales and/or measuring instruments used are found to be defective or have
been tampered with
(vii) faulty jack or gauges

For any load test abandoned under the above stated conditions, the Contractor shall at his
expense carry out two more tests with a total test load not exceeding one and a half the test
load of the failed test. The piles for these tests shall be selected by the SO.

3.22 HIGH STRAIN Dynamic Load Testing of Piles Using Stress Wave Measurements
(PDA TEST WITH CAPWAP ANALYSIS)

The Contractor shall engage a qualified specialist, approved by the SO, to carry out
dynamic testing of piles.

The Contractor shall allow in his price and programme for dynamic testing of piles. The
Contractor shall be liable for any damage caused to the pile of dynamic test equipment,
including transducers and cables, due to handling of the pile, objects falling from the pile
frame or the pile hammer, or damage by him or his employees.

During dynamic pile testing, the Contractor shall measure pile penetration per blow and
temporary compressions with a card attached to the pile.
The number of piles to be dynamically tested is given in the Particular Specification or Bill
of Quantities.

The SO may instruct for the piles to be tested during the entire driving process, at the end
of driving or during restrike. Computer analysis of the field measurements to obtained the
pile resistance distribution and vertical load against displacement relationship shall be
carried out on all piles, which are dynamically tested.

In general, all preliminary piles, which are statically load tested, shall be dynamically
tested. The time of static and dynamic testing shall be agreed with the SO.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing a suitable hammer system to test the
piles to a minimum of 2.5 times the designed working load of the piles or otherwise
specified. The hammer system should, amongst others, consist of adequately heavy
hammer with a controlled drop to limit the driving stress in the pile. In general, the energy
provided on to the pile during restrike tests shall not be less than used to initially drive the
pile. The Contractor shall allow in his price for the cost of providing these hammers for
dynamic pile testing.

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3.23 PRECAST NORMAL REINFORCED AND PRESTRESSED CONCRETE PILES

3.23.1 General

The minimum and maximum grade of concrete used for precast concrete piles
shall be Grade 30 and Grade 45 respectively.

The minimum grade of concrete used for prestressed concrete piles and precast
concrete piles in marine works shall be Grade 40.

The maximum permissible stress in the precast concrete under working load
conditions shall not exceed 0.25 times the characteristic cube strength of the
concrete. In addition, for prestressed concrete piles, the maximum compressive
stress in the concrete due to working loads and effective prestress shall not
exceed 0.25 times the characteristic cub strength.

Precast concrete piles shall be reinforced. The minimum number of

longitudinal bars provided in a precast concrete section shall be four (4) in
rectangular piles and six (6) in circular and hexagonal piles and their size shall
not be less than 12mm in diameter.
In any case, the total cross sectional area of these bars shall not be less than
1% of the total cross sectional area of the pile. The lateral reinforcement
provided shall comply with the relevant Clauses [Link].2 and [Link].3 of BS
8004.

The cove rover all reinforcement including binding, wire shall not be less than
40mm of concrete for piles exposed to normal conditions. For piles likely to be
exposed to the influences of seawater or other corrosive environments, the
corresponding minimum cover shall not be less than 60mm.

Piles with square, rectangular or triangular cross section shall have their
corners chamfered.
Where two or more precast sections have to be jointed, full details shall be
furnished for the method of jointing. The joint shall be designed foe the full
bending strength of the rest of the pile. The method of jointing two sections of
pile shall be subject to the approval of the SO, who may require that the joint
be tested, all at the Contractor’s expense. If a welded joint is used, a minimum
‘cooling down’ time of 30 minutes shall be provided after the completion of
the welding to allow the weld to cool before the commencement of re-driving.
No extension of time will be granted to the Contractor for the enforcement of
this requirement.

The prestress in prestressed concrete pile shall comply with Clause [Link].2
of BS 8004.

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3.23.2 Casting of Precast Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Piles

Precast concrete piles shall be cast at the Contractor’s pile casting yard or at
the approved pile-casting yard of a local manufacturer.

Where piles are manufactured off the site, the Contractor shall ensure that the
SO is given adequate notice and every facility for inspecting the
manufacturing process.

The manufacturing of precast concrete piles shall be in accordance with

Clauses [Link] and [Link] of BS 8004.

The curing periods under normal conditions as shown in Table 3.1 are given
as a guide only.

Minimum Period from Time of Casting

Type of Cement Strike Side End of Wet Lift from Drive
Shutters Curing Casting Bed
Ordinary 12 hours 4 days 10 days 28 days
Portland

TABLE 3.1 CURING PERIODS

No pile shall be lifted from the casting bed of driven until permission to do so
has been obtained from the SO, who shall base his decision on the results of
the concrete cube tests and the type of cement and admixtures used.
Tensioning of prestressed concrete piles shall be carried out only when the SO
is present. The Contractor shall keep detailed records of the times of
tensioning, measured extensions, pressure gauge readings or load cell readings
and the amount of pull-in at each anchorage. Signed copies of these records
shall be submitted to the SO within such reasonable time of completion of
each tensioning operation and in any cast not later than the following day.

Whenever a batch of prestressed concrete piles is cast, at least nine 150mm

concrete test cubes shall be cast and tested for the cube crushing strength at
transfer of prestress, 7 days age and 28 days age. The concrete test cubes
shall be stored in close proximity to and under the same conditions of
temperature and humidity as the piles. For precast reinforced concrete piles,
at least six 150mm concrete test cubes shall be cast and tested at 7 days and
28 days respectively.

The Contractor shall keep detailed records of the times of concrete cube
testing, the strength of concrete, concrete mix proportion, admixtures used if
any, water/cement ratio and slump. Copied of these records shall be supplied
to the SO after the testing and in any case not later than the following day.

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3.23.1 Pile Shoes

If required, piles shall be provided with a pointed coaxial shoe, which shall be
made of steel or chilled hardened cast iron. If an alternative is proposed, it
shall only be used when the written approval of the SO is obtained

3.23.2 Tolerances in Pile Dimensions

The cross sectional dimensions of the pile shall be within the tolerance of
±5mm.

Any face of a pile shall not deviate by more than 6mm from a straight edge
3mm long laid on the face, and the centroid of any cross section of the pile
shall not deviate by more than 12mm from the straight line connecting the
centroids of the end faces of the pile.

3.23.3 Cut-Off Heads and Bonding

On completion of installation of piles, the piles shall be cut off to the required
level as shown on the drawings and to a tolerance of ±20mm or otherwise as
instructed by the SO. For precast reinforced concrete piles, the main
reinforcement shall be exposed and left reasonably straight for bonding into
the pile cap. The minimum bond length of main reinforcement to be exposed
shall be as given in Table 3.2.

Grade of Pile Cap Concrete 30 40 or more

High Tensile Steel (fy = 460 n/mm²) 37D 32D
Mild Steel (fy = 250 N/mm²) 30D 25D
D = nominal diameter of bar

TABLE 3.2 BOND LENGTH

For prestressed concrete piles, the exposed prestressing wire shall extend at
least 600mm into the pile cap.

In stripping pile heads, the concrete shall be stripped to a level such that the
remaining concrete will project 75mm into the pile cap.

Where a pile has been formed below the required cut-off level, it shall be built
up and the reinforcement shall project for such length as given in Table 3.2.

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3.24 DRIVEN CAST-IN-PLACE PILES

3.24.1 Permissible Stress

The minimum and maximum grade of concrete used shall be Grade 25 and
Grade 35 respectively. The maximum permissible stress under working load
conditions shall not exceed 0.2 times the characteristic cube strength of the
concrete.

3.24.2 Pile Design and Reinforcement

Unless otherwise stated, the piles shall have main steel reinforcement
extending at least 4m below the proposed cut-off level. The main steel
reinforcement provided shall not be less than 0.5% of the cross sectional area
of the pile. The minimum bond length of main reinforcement to project above
the cut-off level shall be as given in Table 3.2.

For piles subjected to both vertical and lateral loads, the piles must be
adequately designed and reinforced to withstand the combined bending and
compressive stresses for the whole length of the pile under working load to the
approval of the SO.

3.24.3 Slump of Concrete

The concrete used for forming the pile shall have a slump ranging between
100mm and 175mm. Any variation requires the approval of the SO.

3.24.4 Casings

Where a permanent casing is to be made from a series of short sections, it

shall be designed and placed so as to produce a continuous water free shaft.
Where concrete casing is used, it shall be made from concrete of minimum
Grade 30. Casings, whether permanent or temporary, shall be adequately
designed.

Prior to placing concrete in a pile casing, the Contractor shall check that the
casing is not damaged and is free from water or other foreign matter.

3.24.5 Installation

The piles hall be installed according to the relevant recommendations of BS

8004.

3.24.6 Cut-Off Heads and Bonding

On completion of installation of piles, the piles shall be cut off to the required
level as shown on the drawings and to a tolerance of ±20mm or otherwise as
instructed by the SO. The main reinforcement shall be exposed and left
reasonably straight for bonding to the pile cap. The minimum bond length of
main reinforcement to be exposed shall be as given in Table 3.2.

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PILING (CONT'D)

In stripping pile heads, the concrete shall be stripped to a level such that the
remaining concrete will project 75mm into the pile cap.

Where a pile has been formed below the required cut-off level, it shall be built
up and the reinforcement shall project for such length as given in Table 3.2.

3.25 BORED CAST-IN-PLACE PILES

3.25.1 Permissible Stress

The minimum and maximum grade of concrete used shall be Grade 25 and Grade
35 respectively. The maximum permissible stress under working load condition
shall not exceed 0.2 times the characteristic cube strength of the concrete.

3.25.2 Slump of Concrete

The concrete used shall have a slump of not less than 100mm but not more than
175mm unless specifically approved by the SO. Slump for tremie concrete may be
increased to not more than 225mm.

3.25.3 Pile Design and Reinforcement

Unless otherwise stated, piles supporting axial compression only shall have steel
reinforcement of length not less than 4 x shaft diameter or 12m, or as shown in the
drawings whichever is the greater. The minimum bond length of main
reinforcement to project above the cut-off level shall be as given in Table 3.2.
When lateral load, tension and bending moments are to be resisted in addition to
axial compression, piles shall be reinforced to withstand such loads. The main
steel reinforcement provided shall not be less than 0.5% of the cross sectional area
of the pile.

For piles subjected to both vertical and lateral loads, the piles must be adequately
designed and reinforced to withstand the combined bending and compressive
stresses at the extreme fibre for the whole length of the pile under working load
condition to the approval of the SO.

Apart from the structural considerations of the piles, the allowable bearing
capacity of the soil shall not be exceeded under working load condition.

For tension piles, the minimum bored length shall be 40 Ø and reinforcement shall
continue to the base of the piles.

3.25.4 Installation

The piles shall be installed according to the relevant recommendations of BS 8004.

During boring, the Contractor shall collect soil and rock samples from the boring
and submit them in suitably labelled and approved airtight containers to the SO for
examination and testing as and when required.

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3.25.5 Setting Out

The Contractor shall check the casing position for each pile during and
immediately after placing the casing, and agreed it with the SO.

3.25.6 Proposed Method to be Approved

Prior to the commencement of the piling operations the Contractor shall submit to
the SO, for his approval, details of the proposed method of forming piles together
with such information on the equipment to be used as the SO may require. Piling
operations shall not commence until the Contractor has obtained the SO's
approval.

3.25.7 Pile Records

The Contractor shall keep records as indicated in Table 1 during the installation of
each pile and shall submit two signed copies of these records to the SO no later
than noon of the next working day after the pile was installed. The signed records
will form a record of the work.

Any unexpected driving or boring conditions shall be briefly noted in the records.

TABLE 1
Contract
Pile reference number (location)
Pile Type
Nominal cross-sectional dimensions or diameter
Nominal diameter of under ream
Standing groundwater level
Date and time of boring
Date of concreting
Ground level at commencement of installation of pile
Working level
Depth from working level of pile toe
Toe level
Depth from working level to pile head level
Length of temporary casing
Length of permanent casing
Soil samples taken in situ tests carried out
Length and details of reinforcement
Concrete mix
Volume of concrete supplied to pile
Concreting records (levels, volumes)
All information regarding obstructions, delays
and other interruptions of the works.

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3.25.8 Bored Pile Excavation

1) Boring near Recently Cast Piles

Piles shall not be bored close to other piles, which have recently been cast, and
which contain workable or unset concrete such that a flow of concrete could be
induced from or damage caused to any of the piles.

2) Excavation and Sampling

When excavating for bored cast-in-place piles uncontrolled shelling and over-rapid
withdrawal of the boring tools shall be avoided. Excavations shall not be left
exposed and unsupported longer than is necessary and shall be adequately covered
at all times when work is not in progress. When required by the SO, the
Contractor shall take from the pile excavation undisturbed soil samples in
accordance with BS 5930. Such samples shall be tested as directed by the SO.

3) Temporary Casing

a) Temporary casing of approved quality or an approved alternative method

shall be used to maintain the stability of pile excavation, which might
otherwise collapse. The Contractor shall check the casing position for
each pile during and immediately after placing and casing.

b) Temporary casings shall be free from significant distortion. They shall be

of uniform cross-section throughout each continuous length. During
concreting they shall be free from internal projections and encrusted
concrete, which might prevent the proper formation of piles.

4) Permanent Sacrificial Liners

Permanent sacrificial steel liners shall be used to ensure the stability of the pile
shaft should ground conditions warrant. The permanent liner shall be provided to a
depth of 1m below the depth of the temporary casing. If investigatory drilling of
piles reveals defects which could have been avoided has sacrificial liner been used
then sacrificial liner shall be installed in all piles not yet constructed. The annulus
between the permanent sacrificial liners shall be filled with cement grout.

5) Ground Water

When ground water, which cannot be sealed off, is encountered the water in the
bore shall be maintained above the standing level of the ground water. When it is
not practicable to exclude water from the finished bore the concrete shall be placed
by tremie tube, and the water level in the bore shall be maintained to a minimum of
1.0 m above ground water level at all times.

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PILING (CONT'D)

6) Stability of Pile Excavation using Drilling Fluid

Where the use of drilling fluid is approved for maintaining the stability of a bore,
the level of the fluid in the excavation shall be maintained so that the fluid pressure
always exceeds the pressure exerted by the soils and external groundwater, and an
adequate temporary casing shall be used in near ground level to a minimum depth
of 6.0 meters below ground level until concrete has bee placed. The fluid level
shall be maintained at al level until concrete has been placed. The fluid level shall
be maintained at a level not less than 1 m above the level of the external
groundwater.

7) Drilling Fluid

a) Supply

Bentonite, as supplied to the Site and prior to mixing, shall be in accordance with
specification DFCP 4 of the Oil Companies Materials Association (Drilling fluid
materials-bentonite).

A certificate shall be obtained by the Contractor from the manufacturer of the

bentonite powder, showing the properties of each consignment delivered to the Site.
This certificate shall be made available to the SO on request. The properties to be
given by the manufacturer are the apparent viscosity range (in centipoises) and the
gel strength range (in newtons per square meter) for solid water.

b) Mixing

Bentonite shall be mixed thoroughly with clean fresh water to make a suspension,
which will maintain the stability of the pile excavation for the period necessary to
place concrete and complete construction. The temperature of the water used in
mixing the bentonite suspension, and of the suspension when supplied to the
borehole, shall be not lower than 5oC.

Where saline or chemically contaminated groundwater occurs, special precautions

shall be taken to modify the bentonite suspension or prehydrate the bentonite in
fresh water so as to render it suitable in all respects for the construction of piles.

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PILING (CONT'D)

(c) Tests

The frequency of testing drilling fluid and the method and procedure of sampling
shall be proposed by the Contractor prior to the commencement of the work. The
frequency may subsequently be varied as required, depending on the consistency of
the results obtained.

Control tests shall be carried on the bentonite suspension, using suitable apparatus.
The density of freshly mixed bentonite suspension shall be measured daily as a
check on the quality of the suspension being formed. The measuring device shall
be calibrated to read to within 0.005 g/m. Test to determine density, viscosity,
shear strength and pH value shall be applied to bentonite supplied to the pile bore.
For average soil conditions the results shall generally be within the ranges stated in
Table 2. The tests shall be carried out until a consistent working pattern has been
established, account being taken of the mixing process, any blending of freshly
mixed bentonite suspension and previously used bentonite suspension. When the
results show consistent behaviour, the tests for shear strength and pH value may be
discontinued, and tests to determine density and viscosity shall be carried out as
agreed with the SO. In the event of a change in the established working pattern
tests for shear strength and pH value shall be reintroduced for a period if required.

TABLE 2
_____________________________________________
Property to be Range of results Test method
measured at 20oC
___________________________________________________
Density Less than Mud density
1.015 - 1.15 gm/ml balance
___________________________________________________
Viscosity 30 - 90s Marsh cone
or method
less than 20 cP Fann viscometer
___________________________________________________
Shear strength 1.4 - 10 N/m² Shearometer
(10 minute gel or
strength) 4 - 40 N/m² Fann Viscometer
___________________________________________________
pH 9.5 - 12
ph indicator paper strips or electrical pH meter.
___________________________________________________

* Where the Fann viscometer is specified, the fluid sample should be screened by a
number 52 sieve (300/um) prior to testing.

d) Spillage and disposal

All reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent the spillage of bentonite suspension
on the Site in areas outside the immediate vicinity of bore. Discarded bentonite
shall be removed from the Site without delay. Any disposal of bentonite shall
comply with the regulations of the local controlling authority.

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PILING (CONT'D)

8. Pumping from boreholes

Pumping from a borehole shall not be permitted unless a casing has been placed
into a stable stratum, which prevent the flow of water from other strata in
significant quantities into the bore, or unless it can be shown that pumping will not
have detrimental effect on the surrounding soil or adjacent property.

9. Cleanliness of pile bases

On completion of bore, loose, disturbed or remolded soil shall be removed from the
base of the pile.

10. Inspection of Dry Bore

Piles bored or cast in the dry shall be inspected prior to the placing of concrete in
it. this inspection shall be carried out from the ground surface in the case of dry
bores of diameter of less than 900 mm. Where the diameter of a dry bore is 900
mm. or greater, equipment shall be provided to enable the Contractor and the SO
to descend into the bore for the purpose of inspection. The method of descent and
the equipment used shall comply with CP 2011.

11. Concreting

Generally comply with the requirements of specification for Concerto.

a) The procedures proposed for tremie concrete shall be submitted to the SO.
Only proven methods producing a dense uniform concrete in one
continuous operation will be used in the works and the concrete shall only
be placed by skilled personnel with previous experience in the placement
of high quality concrete to comparable depths.
b) The steel reinforcement shall be lowered accurately into position with
sufficient spacer blocks to ensure that the correct cover is maintained at all
times. The steel reinforcement cage shall have in addition to the normal
tying wire, spot welding at a proportion of the junctions between the
vertical and horizontal reinforcing bars if required by the SO.

c) The concrete mix shall have the appropriate workability, which shall be
proven by trial mixes. The cement content shall be not less than 400
kg/m3, and the slump not less than 150 mm.

d) The tremie pipe shall be sufficient diameter and stiffness so that it may be
satisfactorily operated at the required depth without sustaining blockages
or breakages due to flexibility.

e) The tremie concrete shall be placed beyond the required top level by a
sufficient amount to allow for the necessary removal of all laitance. Such
laitance shall be removed by the Contractor after the concrete has
hardened so that the upper surface of the tremied shaft consists of dense
uniform concrete. The method of removal of the laitance shall not
damage the integrity of the pipe.

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PILING (CONT'D)

f) If during a tremie concreting operation the tube becomes blocked or the

pipe is accidentally removed from the concrete, or for any reason the
tremie operation ceased to comply with the above requirements, then
concreting shall be stopped and the concrete which has been placed shall
be allowed to harden. Following hardening, the laitance at the top shall be
removed and the tremie operation may recommence. Such
recommencement will not normally be permitted for at least 24 hours.

g) The Contractor shall ensure that heavily contaminated bentonite

suspension, which could impair the free flow of concrete from the pipe of
the tremie, has not accumulated in the bottom of the hole.

h) A sample of the bentonite suspension shall be taken from the base of the
bore using an approved sampling device. If the specific gravity of the
suspension exceeds 1.25 the placing of concrete shall not proceed. In this
event the Contractor shall modify or replace the bentonite as approved to
meet the Specification.

3.25.9 Extraction Of Casing

1) Workability of Concrete

Temporary casings shall be extracted while the concrete within them remains
sufficiently workable to ensure that the concrete is not damages. Should a semi-
dry mix have been approved, the means of ensuring that the semi-dry concrete
does not lift during extraction of the casing shall be subject to approval.

2) Concrete level

a) When the casing is being extracted a sufficient quantity of concrete shall

be maintained within it to ensure pressure from external water or soil is
exceed and that the pile is neither reduced in section nor contaminated.

b) Adequate precautions shall be taken in all cases where excess hydraulic

heads could be caused as the casing withdrawn because of the
displacement of water by the concrete as it flows into its final position
against the walls of the shaft.

3.25.10 Removal of Surplus Length

The concrete of the head of the pile shall be cut off to the level specified or shown
on the Drawings. The length of splice reinforcing bars projecting above this level
shall be as shown on the Drawings.

Care shall be taken to avoid shattering or otherwise damaging the rest of the pile.
Any cracked or defective concrete shall be cut away and made good with new
concrete properly bonded to the old. Giant breakers shall not be used within 300
mm of cut-off level.

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PILING (CONT'D)

3.25.11 Repair and Lengthening of Piles

1. Repair of Damaged Pile Heads

a) When repairing the head of pile, the head shall be cut off square at sound
concrete, and all loose particles shall be removed by wire brushing, followed
by washing with water. The heads shall be replaced by concrete of an
approved grade.

b) If a pile has been accepted but sound concrete of the pile is below the cut-off
level, the pile shall be made good to the cut-off level with concrete of a grade
not inferior to that of the concrete of the pile.

2. Lengthening of Piles

When lengthening a reinforced pile, the head shall be cut off squat to sound
concrete, and all loose particles shall be removed by wire brushing, followed by
washing with water. Joints in reinforcement shall be such that the full strength of
the bare is effective across the joint.

3.25.12 Temporary Backfilling Above Pile Casting Level

After each pile has been cast any empty pile hole remaining shall be protected and
shall be carefully backfilled as soon as possible with approved materials.

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3.26 TESTING REQUIREMENTS

The number of piles to be dynamically tested is given in the Particular Specification.

The SO may instruct for the piles to be tested during the entire driving process, at the end
of driving or during restrike. Computer analysis of the field measurements to obtain the
pile resistance distribution and vertical load against displacement relationship shall be
carried out on all piles, which are dynamically tested.

In general, all preliminary piles, which are statically load tested, shall be dynamically
tested. The time of static and dynamic testing shall be agreed with the SO.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing a suitable hammer system to test the
piles to a minimum of 2.5 times the designed working load of the piles. The hammer
system should, amongst others, consist of adequately heavy hammer with a controlled
drop to limit the driving stresses in the pile. In general, the energy provided on to the pile
during restrike tests shall not be less than that used to initially drive the pile. The
Contractor shall allow in his price for the cost of providing these hammers for dynamic
pile testing.

3.26.1 HIGH STRAIN Dynamic Load Testing of Piles Using Stress Wave Measurements
(PDA TEST WITH CAPWAP ANALYSIS)

The Contractor shall engage a qualified specialist, approved by the SO, to carry out
dynamic testing of piles.

The Contractor shall allow in his price and programme for dynamic testing of piles. The
price shall include for strengthening, building up and pile head construction all in
accordance to specialist instruction. Contractor shall be liable for any damage caused to
the pile or dynamic test equipment, including transducers and cables, due to handling of
the pile, objects falling from the pile frame or the pile hammer, or damage by him or his
employees.

During dynamic pile testing, the Contractor shall measure pile penetration per blow and
temporary compressions with a card attached to the pile.

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PILING (CONT'd)

3.26.2 CORING TESTING

(1) Core drill tests to the completed piles shall be called for by the Architect. In the
event concrete and rock cores in NX sizes with diamond bits and double barrels
shall be carried down to not less than 600 mm into the ground upon which the
pile is founded. The cores obtained shall be placed in correct order of depths in
properly constructed core boxes and the drill hole shall be clearly marked on the
cores and boxes.

(2) Selected samples of the cores shall be delivered by the Contractor to an approved
laboratory to ascertain that the strength requirement of the concrete is complied
with and to verify the strength of bedrock if applicable on which the piles are
founded.

(3) On satisfactory completion of the test, all voids formed by the core drill will be
pressure grouted with (3:1 sand : cement) mortar as directed by the Architect.

3.26.3 SONIC CORING TESTS OF PILES

When directed by the Architect the Contractor shall carry out sonic coring of piles.

Sonic coring tests shall be carried out by an independent testing agency approved by the
Architect to verify the suitability of the pile shaft and base. The Contractor shall submit
the proposed procedures for sonic tests to the Architect for approval at least 7 days before
commencing the concreting of piles.

(a) The interface between the pile bottom and the founding rock, if applicable, shall
be examined by core drilling at least the last 1.0 m of the pile and at least 1.0 m
into the rock immediately beneath the pile. The core obtained shall be placed in
correct order of depth in properly constructed core boxes with the pile number
clearly marked on the cores and boxes. The top of all tubes must terminate
above concrete level and shall be adequately capped and sealed at each end
before concreting commences.

(b) The interface between the pile bottom and the entire pile shaft shall be examined
by sonic coring.

(c) Sonic coring tests shall be carried out on at least the 1st pile concreted and on
any other piles designated by the Architect. A report shall be prepared for each
test and all reports and photographic traces from these tests shall be made
available to the Architect within 48 hours of making the tests, and will become
the property of the client.

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3.26.4 SONIC INTEGRITY TEST

The Contractor shall provide the sonic integrity test as directed by the Architect.

Sonic integrity test shall be carried out by an independent testing agency approved by the
Architect. The Contractor shall submit the proposed procedures for sonic integrity test to
Architect for approval at least seven (7) days before commencing the concreting of piles.

The report submitted shall give the full details of the sonic integrity test carried out on the
piles and to be endorsed by a qualified Professional Engineer prior to pilecap
construction.

PRCSB – Piling Specifications S3-25/25