Strain and Acceleration Sensors: Quality Assurance For Deep Foundations

Strain and Acceleration Sensors
for high strain dynamic foundation testing and other applications
Strain Transducers and Accelerometers manufactured by Pile Dynamics are reliable,

convenient to install and remove, and highly durable. Available in traditional (cabled)
and smart (wireless) models.
Accuracy: PDI sensors collect axially accurate signals at high microstrain (strain
transducers) and “g” (accelerometers) levels.
Traceability: PDI sensors are traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) specifications. Calibration sheets are furnished with each sensor. Pile Dynamics
recommends that sensors be recalibrated at least every two years, in accordance with
ASTM D-4945.
Versatility: In addition to collecting data for use by the Pile Driving Analyzer® (PDA)
system, accelerometers are also used with the SPT Analyzer, along with a specially
instrumented SPT rod (strain gages glued to the rod are used in lieu of strain transducers
for this application). PDI strain transducers are also compatible with other applications
requiring strain measurements, such as static load monitoring and structural monitoring of
bridges and other structures.
Smart (wireless) Traditional (cabled)

Smart accelerometers and strain transducers Traditional sensors are appropriate
are compatible with wireless transmitters, for PDA tests requiring 8 channels
dispensing with the use of cables to connect of data acquisition, for use with
them to the PDA. They send data to a PDA the SPT Analyzer and for use with
model PAX up to 100 m away. The PDA PDA models other than the PAX.
recognizes the sensors, knows to which channel
of data acquisition each is connected, and
reads their number, calibration, and date of
last calibration.
Installation
When used for Dynamic Foundation Testing or Pile Driving Monitoring,
accelerometers and strain transducers are bolted to the foundation,
usually about 2 to 3 diameters below the top. Strain transducers are
attached symmetrically about the neutral axis of the foundation to
account for bending effects, and accelerometers are attached near
the strain transducers.
Two or 4 pairs of sensors are used, depending on the testing situation. Drilling guides for steel (upper left)
Attachment procedure varies depending on the type of foundation, and concrete (upper right) piles make
but is generally quick: it simple to drill holes for the 6mm
(1/4-20”) bolts at the correct spacing.
Steel Pipe Piles: Drill and tap holes; magnetic drilling guide available
Steel H Piles: Drill clearance holes and install bolts / nuts
Timber Piles: Drill holes with lag bolts
Concrete Piles and Shafts: drill holes and embed anchors;
metal drilling guide available
Drilled shafts, augered cast in place, spiral welded piles
and other non uniform foundations: 4 strain transducers are
recommended to assess bending stresses along 2 axes.
Quality Assurance for Deep Foundations

Specifications
Piezoelectric Accelerometer
Available as traditional or smart
Mounting: Custom aluminum block (25 x 25 x 25 mm)
Circuit: Integral impedance converting electronics
Cable: Shielded, standard length 900mm (traditional) or 205mm (smart)
Sensitivity: Nominally 1.0 mV/g with 10 V.D.C. bias voltage input
Range: 5,000 g (Limit 10,000g)
Frequency Range: 0.25 to 7000 Hz (resonant freq: > 40 kHz)
Temperature Range: -50° to 120°C operating Strain Transducer
Time Constant: Nominally 3s Available as traditional or smart
Attachment Method: Bolts to pile Effective Gage Length: 76 mm standard; optional 50 mm
Options: Full waterproofing, extra cable length Size: 115 x 35 x 11 mm
Material: Aluminum (Steel option for structural or static testing)
Wireless Transmitter Circuit: Full Wheatstone bridge
(For use with Smart Accelerometers and Strain Transducers and PDA Cable: Shielded, standard length 900mm (traditional) or 205mm (smart)
model PAX) Sensitivity: 380 µ/mV/V
1 channel of strain data acquisition Strain Range: Nominally 2000 μξ
1 channel of PE or 1 channel of PR acceleration data acquisition Shock Range: Nominally 5000g
24 bit A/D converter with 2 channels at up to 20KHz sample rate per Natural frequency when attached to foundation: greater than
channel 2000 Hz
1K, 2K, and 4K data record sizes available – user selectable Temperature Range: -50° to 120°C operating
Data Transmission: via a standard radio protocol Attachment Method: Bolts to pile.
Radio Transmission Range: 100m (328 feet) (Optional C-clamps or mounting tabs and adhesive for structural testing)
Power: Low power processor and built-in 3.7 V battery for up to 8.5 Options: Full waterproofing, extra cable length
hours run time during constant data acquisition. Optional extended
use battery for up to 24 hours run time. Sensor Protectors:
Size: 180 x 92 x 25.4 mm (71 x 36 x 10 in) For driven piles, sensors may be installed with the pile on the ground.
Weight: 0.45 Kg (1lb) Sensors can then be protected with Pile Dynamics’ Sensor Protectors
Temperature Range: 0˚ to 40˚C operating,
-20˚ to 65˚C storage. prior to lifting.
Piezoresistive Accelerometer (Model K)

Available as traditional or smart
Mounting: Custom aluminum block (45 x 25 x 30 mm)
Circuit: Full bridge
Cable: Shielded, standard length 900mm (traditional) or 205mm (smart)
Sensitivity: Nominally 0.07 mV/g with 6.4 V.D.C. input
Range: 20,000 g (Limit 30,000 g)
Frequency Range: DC to 4.5kHz
Temperature Range: -12° to 55°C operating
Attachment Method: Bolts to pile
Options: Extra cable length
Printed on recycled paper.

© 2013, Pile Dynamics, Inc.
30725 Aurora Road Specifications subject to change without notice.
Cleveland, OH 44139 USA

+1-216-831-6131 [email protected] www.pile.com

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Strain and Acceleration Sensors

for high strain dynamic foundation testing and other applications

Strain Transducers and Accelerometers manufactured by Pile Dynamics are reliable,

Smart (wireless) Traditional (cabled)

Quality Assurance for Deep Foundations

Piezoresistive Accelerometer (Model K)

Printed on recycled paper.

Cleveland, OH 44139 USA

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