National Productivity and Quality Specifications (NPQS) : C4-30 Pile Testing
National Productivity and Quality Specifications (NPQS) : C4-30 Pile Testing
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CONTENTS
Page
1.0 GENERAL 1
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Related Sections 1
1.3 Standards and Regulations 2
1.4 Trade Preambles 2
1.5 Definitions 5
3.0 EQUIPMENT 8
3.1 Calibration 8
3.2 Static Load Test 8
3.3 Osterberg Cell Load Test Equipment 8
3.4 Dynamic Load Test Equipment 9
3.5 Sonic Logging Equipment 9
3.6 Vibration Test Equipment 9
3.7 Modified Shock Test Equipment 9
3.8 Simple Shock Test Equipment 10
4.0 WORKMANSHIP 11
4.1 Schedule of Tests 11
4.2 Construction of Preliminary Test Pile 11
4.3 Load Testing: General 12
4.4 Load Test: Static Load Test Procedures 16
4.5 Load Test: Osterberg Load Test 19
4.6 Load Test: Lateral Load Test 20
4.7 Load Test: Dynamic Test 21
4.8 Integrity Tests: Proof Coring 21
4.9 Integrity Test: Non Destructive Tests (NDT) 22
4.10 Protection of Testing Equipment 24
4.11 Noise and Disturbance 24
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1.0 GENERAL
Read with the General Requirements section, and all other contract documents.
1.1 Scope
This section covers the requirements for the load and integrity testing of bored and
driven piles.
This document is supplementary to section C4-30 of the NPQS. It provides project
specific data to be read in conjunction with the main section. All modification and
additions noted in this documents take precedence over clauses noted in the main
section.
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1.3.1 Standards
Unless otherwise agreed by the SO, ensure all of the Works comply with the relevant
requirements of the Standards and Codes listed below or referenced in the body of the
Specification. Alternative Standards and Codes may be proposed for approval by the
SO, provided it can be demonstrated that the alternative Standards and Codes comply
with the requirements of the standards specified. All Standards and Codes quoted are
the current version, unless specific year references are noted.
Singapore Standards
Other Standards
ASTM D1143 Standard test method for piles under static axial compressive load
(ASTM, D1995)
BS 8008 Guide to safety precautions and procedures for the construction
and descent of machine-bored shafts for piling and other
purposes.
In the event that the standards or Codes are revised or superseded, refer to the latest
edition or the appropriate substitution for the relevant subjects.
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1.4.12 Safety
Provide safety precautions to comply with all current legislation and regulations, notably:
a. Building Control Regulations
b. Code of Practice for Traffic Control at Work Zone
c. Factories (Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction)
Regulations
d. Factories Act
e. SS CP 79 Safety management system for construction worksites
f. For works within LTA Railway Protection Zone, ensure the works comply fully with
Code of Practice for Railway Protection.
Additionally, comply also with the following:
a. BRE Digest 251 (1995) Assessment of damage in low rise building
BS 8008: Guide to safety precautions and procedures for the construction and descent
of machine-bored shaft for piling and other purposes
1.4.12.1 Marking of Bores
Ensure that when the pile head is unattended the bore is clearly marked and fenced off
at all times.
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1.5 Definitions
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3.0 EQUIPMENT
3.1 Calibration
Ensure all testing equipment and gauges used for pile load tests or integrity tests are
calibrated before and after each test by SAC-SINGLAS accredited laboratory.
All test equipments are to be calibrated at a maximum of six months interval and
calibrations are to remain valid for 2 months at the time of being used for the tests.
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4.0 WORKMANSHIP
For the purpose of establishing the number of tests required, the percentages given in
the schedule relate to the total number of working piles on a contract. Round up part
number of tests calculated based on the total number of piles.
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means to enable dial gauges to be read from a position clear of the kentledge stack or
test frame in conditions where failure in any part of the system due to overloading,
buckling, loss of hydraulic pressure etc. will not constitute a hazard to personnel.
4.3.1.2 Test Pressure
Ensure that the hydraulic jack, pump, hoses, pipes, couplings and other apparatus to be
operated under hydraulic pressure are capable of withstanding a test pressure of one
and a half times the maximum working pressure without leaking.
4.3.1.3 Maximum Test Load
Check that the maximum test load or test pressure expressed as a reading on the
gauge in use is displayed and all operators are aware of this limit.
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permanent objects or other well-founded structures or install deep datum points. Site
each datum point so that only one setting up of the level is needed.
Ensure that Datum points are not affected by the test loading or other operations on the
Site.
4.3.5.4 Independent Reference Frame
An independent reference frame may be set up to permit measurement of the
movement of the pile. The supports for the frame is to be founded in such a manner and
at such a distance from the test pile, kentledge support cribs, reaction piles, anchorages
and rafts that movements of the ground in vicinity of the equipment do not cause
movement of the reference frame during the test which will affect the required accuracy
of the test.
Check observations of any movement of the reference frame and check the movement
of the pile head relative to an external datum during the progress of the test. In no case
the supports are not to be less than three test pile diameters or 2 m, whichever is the
greater, from the centre of the test pile.
Measure the pile movement by at least two dial gauges rigidly mounted on the reference
frame that bear on surfaces normal to the pile axis, fixed to the pile cap or head.
Alternatively, fix the gauges to the pile and bear on surfaces on the reference frame.
Place the dial gauges in diametrically opposed positions and equidistant from the pile
axis. The dial gauges are to enable readings to be made up to within an accuracy of 0.1
mm. Use a scale ruler and levelling device to provide an independent measurement of
the pile head movement.
Protect the reference frame from the weather.
4.3.5.5 Other Methods
Details of any other method for measuring the movement of pile heads may be
submitted for acceptance.
4.3.5.6 Calibration of Dial Gauges
Calibrate the dial gauge used for the measurement of load by a SINGLAS accredited
laboratory to the accuracy as required.
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225 60
250 60
275 60
300 24 hrs
200 60
100 60
0 60
Following each application of load, hold the load for not less than the period shown or
until the rate of settlement is less than 0.1 mm/hr and slowing down. Calculate the rate
of settlement from the slope of the curve obtained by plotting values of settlement
versus time and drawing a smooth curve through the points.
Proceed unloading for each stage after the expiry of the period shown in the table.
For any period when the load is constant, record time and settlement immediately on
reaching the load and at approximately 15 min intervals for the 1st hr, at 30 min intervals
between the 1st and 4th hr and at 1 hr intervals between the 4th and 12th hr after the
application of the increment of the load.
Continue testing until the maximum test load has been reached or when the settlement
exceeds 10% of the pile diameter.
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Following each application of an increment of load, hold the load for not less than the
period shown or until the rate of settlement is less than 0.1 mm/hr and slowing down.
Calculate the rate of settlement from the slope of the curve obtained by plotting values
of settlement versus time and drawing a smooth curve through the points.
Proceed unloading for each stage after the expiry of the period shown in the table.
For any period when the load is constant, record time and settlement immediately on
reaching the load and at approximately 15 min intervals for the 1st hr, at 30 min intervals
between the 1st and 4th hr and at 1 hr intervals between the 4th and 12th hr after the
application of the increment of the load.
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4.8.1.2 In Soil/Rock
Requirements for cores are:
a. 100% Total Core Recovery.
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5.1.1 Proposals
Submit the following proposals for SO’s acceptance prior to commencing any work:
a. Proposals to deal with noise and vibration.
b. The proposed testing sequence and programme including the anticipated time
required for installation of the preliminary test piles.
c. Details of the proposed temporary support and reaction system where needed.
Including design of Kentledge and other reaction piles. All design to be endorsed by
PE.
d. Details of any safety provision.
e. Details of the equipment to be used for the tests.
f. Details of the action that would be taken to stabilise an excavation during the
progress of a pile test.
g. CVs of personnel involved.
h. Method statement of loading arrangement and testing procedure.
i. Method statement of the Installation of instrumentations.
j. Method statement for dynamic load test.
k. Method statement for integrity tests.
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5.2.1 Records
Submit the following documents for SO’s review at least 7 days prior to the
commencement of any preliminary pile testing.
a. Boring and concreting records of the preliminary pile
b. Results of concrete cube tests of preliminary pile
c. Details of the steel reinforcement cage, including depth and length of the
reinforcement laps
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g. deduced static load deflection behaviour of the pile at the head and toe
h. assumptions made in the analysis
i. limitations of the method
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5.6.4 Report
Prepare and submit a report for each pile tested. The report is to contain the following
information:
a. contract number and name
b. pile location plan
c. pile reference number
d. pile size and depth
e. working load
f. date on which the pile was constructed
g. cube strengths of pile concrete
h. date on which the pile was tested
i. identification of supervisor
j. identification of analyser
k. the originals or clear copies of the photographic records
l. a record of the mechanical admittance of the pile
m. an interpretation of each record
n. a review of any anomalies in terms of influence of poor materials or workmanship
during pile construction.
5.6.4.1 Interpretation
Report the following information:
a. velocity of sound in concrete, appropriate to the strength of the pile
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5.6.4.2 Defects
Report any deviation from the record to be expected from a pile constructed entirely of
sound concrete and without defect. In the report, indicate the nature, location and
severity of the defect and recommend further testing if necessary. Where directed,
evaluate the implication of the existence of the defect on the performance of the pile.
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