Basic Learning on Pile Foundation.
Regards
Swapnil Sharma
Asst R.E./Maurtius Metro Project.
What to do @ start of a project having
piles as foundation system
Nitty Gritty of piling system is confined to handful of experts, who are
difficult to approach due to Murphy’s Law. The biggest challenge for
newcomers in construction industry is first to understand the basics,
however the predicament of amateur newcomers is reinforced by the
terminology, which the construction industry uses, and hesitation to ask
basic things from experts.
Let’s apply Pareto Principle : We will invest 20% of our time to gather 80%
Layman knowledge
Understand Terminology- 80% of work
done
Initial Pile/Test Pile :- A.K.A ‘Sacrificial Pile’. This simple terminology entails the
crux of piling system. Following is the quint essence about initial pile :-
The primary function of an initial pile in a project is to ascertain the design
validation. For instance, In the starting of a project, detailed drawings are
provided to the contractor for execution of piles. However, these detailed
drawings are prepared keeping in view certain assumptions of safety and
local geotechnical investigation. A test pile is hence, done to validate the
detailed design and revise/modify to carry out the routine/working pile.
Bibliography
• BS 8004:2015 CL 6.11
• BS EN 1997-1 CL 7.5.1
Initial Test Pile : For Testing Purpose.
Understand Terminology- 80% of work
done
Routine Pile/Working Piles :- These piles are regular part of any working
structure. They are designed after the successful interpretation of test
pile/initial pile.
Routine piles are tested for working load only. Hence, they are never
sacrificed for the project.
To ascertain the quality of Routine Pile, Quick Tests such as Dynamic Test for
quick determination of load capacity, and PIT for quick determination of
pile length, dia etc. are performed.
Routine/Working Pile of any structure
Differences between an Initial vs
Routine Pile
Initial Pile Routine Pile
Checked for Ultimate load(UL), Checked for Working Load(WL),
UL=2.5(safe load) WL=1.5(safe load)
These pile are sacrificed to get These piles are regular working
parameters for validating piles of a structure tested for
detailed design of routine piles. ascertaining the quality control
and results of initial pile
Critical locations(3-4nos) are
chosen as per GI report for initial Maximum 2% of total piles are
piles checked as routine piles.
Test on Piles : The last Big Thing
Initial Pile Routine Pile
Vertical Test (compression) Vertical Test (compression)
Lateral Test Lateral Test
Pull Out Test (tension) Pull Out Test (tension)
Type of Vertical Test :- Type of Vertical Test :-
Maintained Load Method(Static) Maintained Load Method(Static)
Cyclic Method Dynamic Test (High Strain)
Constant Rate Penetration Pile Integrity Tests.(Low Strain)
Method
O-Cell Method (Advanced)
Things to remember : Gathered From
Experts of Construction Industry.
Firstly, As you have given ample time to carry out initial pile load test effectively,
short duration tests of 3-4 hrs are carried out for routine piles such as high
strain/low strain tests for project progress.
Secondly, O-Cell method is a new, expensive but more accurate method to
carry out initial pile load test. A hydraulic jack is inserted at pile tip before
concreting of pile.
Thirdly
ML Method : 24H Test. Measurements of disp. Taken after each Increment of Test Load
gives constant values.
Cyclic Load Test : Used to give both skin friction and end bearing values. Elastic
rebound is measured after loading and unloading of incremental load at each stage.
CRP Method : A better indicator than ML method for Ult. Bearing capacity but can’t
be used to predict settlement value. (used relatively less)
Maintained Load Method : Static
Cyclic Pile Load Method
Osterberg Cell O-cell Method
Thank You
