[F,V] Force, Velocity

[WD,WU] Wave Down, Wave Up

[RS, RT] Resistance Static (includes JC), Resistance Total (JC=0)
[E,D] Energy, Displacement
[F1, F2] Force 1, Force 2 (i.e., individual Force curves)
[V1, V2] Velocity 1, Velocity 2 (i.e., individual Velocity curves)

1.12.1 Copy to Clipboard

Data can be exported to spreadsheets using the EDIT/”Copy to Clipboard” option on the menu
bar. The data itself (rather than graphics image under normal PrtSc copy) is then available on
the clipboard. It can then be pasted into any spreadsheet for further computation and
specialized plots.

The COPY ICON (or PrtSc key) copies an image of the screen to the clipboard.

1.13 BETA (Integrity / Damage Evaluation)

Normally, the wave up is a monotonically increasing function during the first 2L/c after impact
due to the shaft resistance which causes upward traveling compression waves. Damage along
the shaft of a pile returns an upward traveling tension wave. This tension (negative) from
damage is superimposed on the compression (positive) due to soil resistance reflections
causing a local decrease in the wave up function. The PDA inspects the wave up curve for
local minimums and when present, signals that the pile is damaged. The warning is in the
“warnings and limits” area just under the Menu Bar and above the graphical data in the GR
screen. It also appears as a vertical line on the GR screen which shows the Beta factor (BTA)
and damage location (LTD). (The vertical line type and color can be user defined in the Graph
Colors option.) The length to damage (LTD) evaluation can be enhanced using the LS function
(for example, if a pile is spliced at 35 below sensors, then enter the length to the splice with
LS35; the LS and LTD lines can then be compared visually to see if the damage is near the
splice, as is often the case). LS - The Length to Splice can be entered and a vertical line will
appear at this depth (below sensors) on the graph (at time 2*LS/WC after the initial rise
marker). This line can be deleted by entering LS with no value.

Nominally the BTA factor represents the percentage of pile cross section compared with the full
cross section. However, short local defects may be under estimated by the method. Soil
resistances above the damage complicate the issue although a crude attempt is made to
compensate for resistance. A subjective rating was developed to estimate the extent of
damage based on the BTA value. However, piles with damage should always be taken
seriously and investigated. It may be possible that “apparent damage” is caused by bending
stresses, or poor quality data (e.g. noise on the signals). A false indication can also be
caused by a “phase shift” between force and velocity. To investigate and correct for
phase shifts you might try using the VT function to eliminate the shift (e.g. VT0.7 to shift
velocity to the right or VT -0.7 to shift to the left). Real damage should cause consistent
readings from blow to blow.

Defects near the bottom of the pile may be caused by the wrong wavespeed or the wrong pile
length, so correct entry of these values is important. For concrete piles, inspect the earliest
easy driving blows to determine the real WS. Using higher sampling frequencies (particularly
in the PAX with larger record sizes) may give earlier warning for toe damage to steel piles.
Compare the later blows with earlier blows and look for sequentially earlier return of the tension
wave to detect damage.

Large shaft friction on long piles causes the velocity to become negative prior to 2L/c; if this
condition exists, the BTA computation may incorrectly indicate damage. Look for sharp

February 2009 Pile Driving Analyzer Manual, PDA-W 1-41

decrease in wave up to confirm damage. Gradual decreases in these early unloading cases
may only result form the early unloading and not necessarily damage.

If damage is detected, the engineer should always review the result to determine if the reading
is true (or potentially false). This review is best done by inspecting the wave up curve in the
first 2L/c for sharp local decreases (smooth gradual changes may be due to soil resistance,
early unloading, or sweeping piles or simply data quality; sweeping piles may be acceptable or
deficient depending on the degree of sweep) .

BETA Value (BTA) Description

100% Uniform Pile
80 to 99% Slight Damage
60 to 80% Damage
< 60% Pile Broken
(generally pile is then rejected)

It should be noted that in the above table, categories are suggested. However the difference
between a pile with BTA of 81 and another pile with BTA of 79 is only minor. The rating scale
is really a continuous function with no definite boundaries.

Pile with larger damages (BTA values certainly less than 80) should be assessed for their
suitability. Defects far down the shaft may in some cases be not a problem if the pile is a
friction pile and has sufficient resistance above the damage. “End bearing” at the damage is
generally unreliable since the top and bottom may be poorly aligned, or the reinforcing steel
may deteriorate with time. Capacity estimates for damaged piles should be avoided.
Broken piles should be assigned zero capacity and should be replaced.

Further inspection of Beta can be made by clicking the Beta ICON (ȕ) on the custom toolbar.
The limits can be adjusted (by minor amounts) and the time periods shifted. The DEFAULT
setting can be restored by the clicking Defaults. The graphic display can plot several user
selected parameters. Note that there is a second integrity evaluation method called BTB (also
available as a quantity output). BTA computation looks purely at the magnitudes of the wave
up, while BTB also considers the width of the “defect”. Generally the two results are somewhat
similar.

A graphical representation of the size and location can be displayed (and positioned on the
screen by drag and drop) by clicking the “View Beta Damage” ICON (pile shape).

Piles with severe damage may be unreliable for long term conditions so no capacity estimate
should be given.

1.14 General Data Interpretation

Result interpretation should be by a professional engineer who knows wave theory and pile
driving. The PDA investigates driving stresses, pile integrity (damage), hammer performance,
and bearing capacity. For best results in capacity, test the pile during restrike with a 7 day wait
to allow for strength changes with time. The Geotechnical engineer should review capacity
results for uplift, settlement, and downdrag.

STRESSES: PDA finds average max Compression Stress (CSX) at sensors (using assumed
modulus); max Compression stress for any strain sensor is CSI. A visual "Compression Limit"

1-42 Pile Driving Analyzer Manual, PDA-W February 2009