Dynamic Pile Load Test

Dynamic Pile Load Test (DLT) / Pile Driving Analyzer helps to evaluate the pile load capacity based on the force which is applied by the hammer. The methodology and instrument specification for DLT is defined in ASTM D4945 & IRC Standard recommends the dynamic pile load testing.

The pair of accelerometer and strain transducers are attached on pile diagonally at 1.5 times the diameter below the pile head. The Impact force causes the generation of the stress wave in the pile. The stress wave propagates in pile and gets reflected from the toe or where discontinuity confronted. The signal matching software is used along with the soil parameter to estimate the pile load capacity corresponding to the impact force which applied to the pile.

The total process of pile installation during driving can be monitored with the Allnamics PDA set. PDA stand for pile driving analysis or pile driving monitoring. Parameters of hammer, pile and soil can be monitored to optimize the pile driving process and hammer efficiency, the condition of the pile cushioning, to avoid problems i.e. by limit the pile stresses in both compression and tension, to monitor the behaviour of the soil, entrance in or passing of soil layers and to control the performance related to drivability studies and soil investigations.

The same monitoring set-up can be used for Dynamic Load Testing (or High Strain Dynamic Testing), when the precast pile is redriven after a set - up period, or when an impact is given on cast-in-situ piles. Elaboration of the signals by the Signal Matching technique of All Wave-DLT lead to prediction of the static load-settlement behaviour (DLT).

Pile Driving Analysis (or PDA) reduces the risk of damage to both the pile and the hammer and allows the contractor to drive the pile efficiently to the optimum or required depth.