Static Load Testing
Whilst high strain dynamic (PDA) testing is often preferred due to time and cost savings, static load testing of piles is still frequently specified.
As static load tests are generally more expensive, they require a greater level of planning and expertise to maximise the benefit of the test. It is therefore important that the people carrying out the tests have the experience to get it right. FSG provides static load testing instrumentation and analysis services to both land-based and marine projects. Services can be provided to ensure compliance to a range of specifications and standards, and for lateral, tension and compression tests.
State-of-the-Art Instrumentation
Our test setups are designed for remote monitoring and control thereby eliminating the need for personnel to work under, or near the load during the test sequence. All equipment is calibrated to NATA standards. Our 16-channel HBM data acquisition systems have almost limitless device acquisition capabilities.
In order to eliminate the need for personnel to enter the test setup during loading we also utilise:
- Web cams to automatically take still images of dial gauges at 1 minute intervals during the testing.
- Multiple PDM (Pile Driving Monitor) units to make continuous displacement measurements in marine applications to provide sub 0.1mm accuracy to pile movements even in these difficult environments with wind, tide and wave effects.
We routinely monitor the following devices at 1 second intervals throughout the load testing:
- Load cells
- Pile-mounted strain gauges
- Displacement transducers
- Temperature gauges
Data Interpretation
The interpretation of static testing can be challenging, particularly if the test is not performed to failure. With highly accurate measurements and our extensive database of static and dynamic test results, FSG’s experts provide an integrated interpretation of pile behaviour under static loading.
