Training module 12

HSDPT Trial exam (Part B)

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Objective and prerequisite

Module outline

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Objective and prerequisites

Objective and exam structure :

 To test understanding in data interpretation for high strain dynamic pile testing .

 All questions in this trial exam are multiple-choice as in the High Strain Dynamic Pile Testing
Examination (Part B). It is envisaged that this trial exam (Part B) will take you between 45
minutes to one hour to complete. If you complete it in under 45 minutes you are doing well.

Prerequisite :
The questions assume the trainee has completed the following Training Modules or equivalent
training in high strain dynamic pile testing :

 Modules 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 or equivalent

Objective and prerequisite (1/1)

Module Outline

Module 12: HSDPT Trial exam (Parts B1 and B2)

Sections
Trial exam (part B1) – 10 general questions
Trial exam (part B2) – 10 questions with data

Duration : ~ 45 minutes

Module outline (1/1)

 Trial Exam (Part B1)

Questions 1–10

The following ten (10) questions do NOT refer to any data record. Units of measure where
applicable are given in SI, Metric and English/US. To select an answer from the multiple-choices,
left-click on the radio button. To deselect an answer left-click again on the radio button. Click on the
navigation buttons (top right of screen) to go to next question.

Note:
If you wish keep a record of how many you answer correctly. Note that some responses are worth ½
a point, however the best answer is always awarded 1 point.
Question 1

If a square wave force input, F, is applied for a short duration (<<2L/c), to the top of a pile
with zero resistance, determine the upward travelling wave force at mid-length at a
time=1.5L/c after impact.

 A. 0 (zero)

 B. F

 C. –F

 D. 0.5F

 E. –2F
Question 2

A passive soil resistance, R, is suddenly mobilized at location L/2 (mid pile length), after a
pile-top impact at t=0. How long after mobilization of the resistance is the effect first felt at
the pile top ?

 A. 2L/c

 B. 3L/c

 C. L/c

 D. L/2c

 E. L/4c
Question 3

A passive soil resistance, R, is suddenly mobilized at location L/2 (mid pile length), after a
pile-top impact at t=0. What is the upward travelling wave due to this resistance at time
t=3L/2c ?

 A. 0 (zero)

 B. +R

 C. –R

 D. +0.5R

 E. –0.5R
Question 4

A pile has a fixed toe (bottom) and a free top. If a square wave force input, F, is applied at
time t=0 for a short duration (<<2L/c) at the pile top, determine the downward travelling
wave force at the pile-top just after time t=2L/c after impact ?

 A. 0

 B. F

 C. –F

 D. 0.5F

 E. –2F
Question 5

Energy is transferred from the hammer to the pile when …..

(Note: compressive force and downward velocity are both defined as positive)

 A. Force and velocity are both positive or negative

 B. Force is positive

 C. Velocity is positive

 D. Force is positive AND velocity is negative

 E. Velocity is positive AND force is negative

Question 6

The factor that is most likely to reduce pile uplift capacity is :

 A. a rise in the groundwater table

 B. application of a surcharge fill to the ground surface

 C. pile set-up

 D. relaxation of the pile toe (bottom) resistance

 E. removal of internal soil to within 6m (20ft) of the toe (bottom) and replace with concrete
Question 7

In the following question, F is the wave force at the pile-top, ZV =(pile impedance x pile-
top velocity), and the terms 1 and 2 refer to the time of analysis t 1 and t2=t1+2L/c later.

The total Case Method capacity, including both static and dynamic components is …
(Note: WD1 = (F1 + ZV1)/2 at time t1 and WU2 = (F2 – ZV2)/2 at time t1+2L/c)

 A. (F1 + F2 + ZV1 + ZV2)/2

 B. (F1 – F2 + ZV1 – ZV2)/2

 C. (F1 + F2 + ZV1 – ZV2)/2

 D. (F1 – F2 + ZV1 + ZV2)/2

 E. (F1 – F2 – ZV1 + ZV2)/2

Question 8

During pile rebound (defined as the pile-top moving in an upward direction) ….

 A. the energy transferred from the hammer to the pile reaches a maximum

 B. all energy transferred between pile and hammer, in either direction, becomes zero

 C. energy transferred from the pile to the hammer is not normally possible

 D. energy transferred from the hammer to the pile is not normally possible

 E. energy transferred from the pile to the hammer continues to be zero

Question 9

The 2L/c time must always be chosen with care in order to determine the Case Method
capacity. However, correct selection is ……….

½ A. equally critical in all driving situations

 B. most critical in hard driving situations

 C. most critical in easy driving situations

 D. not generally critical if the overall wavespeed is estimated within 5%

 E. not generally critical if the overall wavespeed is estimated within 10%

Question 10

Assuming no additional local knowledge, the ultimate shaft resistance in tension would
normally be recommended as :

 A. 100% of the ultimate shaft resistance in compression

 B. 80% of the ultimate shaft resistance in compression

½ C. 50% of the ultimate shaft resistance in compression

 D. 35% of the ultimate shaft resistance in compression

 E. 20% of the ultimate shaft resistance in compression

End of Trial Exam (Part B1)
Trial Exam (Part B2)

SI units >

Metric units >

English/US units >

 Trial Exam (Part B2)

Questions 11–20 (SI units)

The next ten (10) questions refer to the data record(s) that accompany each question. To select an
answer from the multiple-choices, left-click as previously on the radio button. To deselect an answer
left-click again on the radio button. Click on the navigation buttons (top right of screen) to go to
next question.

Note:
If you wish keep a record of how many you answer correctly. Note that some responses are worth ½
a point, however the best answer is always awarded 1 point.
Question 11

The maximum tension force at any location in the pile during the first 2L/c is approximately
:

 A. 0 kN

 B. 150 kN

 C. 350 kN

 D. 550 kN

 E. 750 kN
Question 12

This data for a 9.8m long pile indicates …..

 A. low shaft resistance and low toe (bottom) resistance

 B. low shaft resistance and high toe (bottom) resistance

 C. high shaft resistance and low toe (bottom) resistance

 D. high shaft resistance and high toe (bottom) resistance

 E. a pile with negative skin friction (downdrag)

Question 13

For this blow, the maximum pile toe (pile bottom) force is approximately …..

 A. 650 kN

 B. 850 kN

 C. 1200 kN

 D. 1500 kN

 E. 1900 kN
Question 14

The maximum tension stress at any location along the pile length reaches …..

 A. 5 to 6 MPa

 B. 8.5 to 10 MPa

 C. 3 to 3.5 MPa

 D. 6 to 7 MPa

 E. the pile is not subjected to tension stresses during the blow shown
Question 15

For this blow, the maximum compression force in the pile is approximately …..

 A. 0 kN

 B. 2000 kN

 C. 2500 kN

½ D. 3600 kN

 E. 4100 kN
Question 16

In the sequence of blows shown on the next slide, the first and last restrike blows at 24
hours, and the first and last restrike blows at 75 days. The shaft resistance …..

 A. increases from the start to the finish during each restrike sequence

 B. decreases from the start to the finish during each restrike sequence

 C. increases after driving and also after the 24 hour restrike

 D. increases from each blow to the next for all 6 blows shown

½ E. Options B and C
Data records for Question 16 and 17
Question 17

The upward-travelling wave curve for Blow 11 (75 day restrike) shows a small change in
the slope at about 4 ms after the maximum value of Wave Up. This change in slope is not
apparent in Blow 1 (75 day restrike). It is probably…..

 A. due to unloading of shaft resistance

 B. due to reloading of shaft resistance

 C. due to damage developing

 D. due to the toe (bottom) reflection

 E. due to reduction of shaft resistance during the restrike sequence

Question 18

In the sequence of blows shown on the next slide, the capacity of the pile at the end of
driving (Blow 778) ……

½ A. is greater than for Blow 382 during the drive sequence

½ B. is about the same as at the end of redrive (Blow 204)

½ C. is greater than at the start of redrive (Blow 4)

 D. Options A and B only

 E. All of the above

Data records for Question 18
Question 19

For this blow, the upward travelling wave decreases after time=23 ms (2L/c time) and then
increases to a peak at time= 26 ms. This is because ……

 A. the pile toe (bottom) is penetrating through a sequence of soft and hard soil layers

 B. the pile toe (bottom) response is tensile at small toe (bottom) displacements

 C. of pore pressure effects

 D. the pile toe is buckled

 E. the shaft resistance decreases just above the pile toe (bottom)
Question 20

The pile capacity at the end of driving (Blow 778) is approximately…….. (choose the
closest answer assuming dynamic effects are negligible because pile has reached hard rock)

 A. 610 kN

 B. 920 kN

 C. 1200 kN

 D. 1620 kN

 E. 2420 kN
End of Trial Exam (Part B2)
 Trial Exam (Part B2)

Questions 11–20 (Metric units)

The next ten (10) questions refer to the data record(s) that accompany each question. To select an
answer from the multiple-choices, left-click as previously on the radio button. To deselect an answer
left-click again on the radio button. Click on the navigation buttons (top right of screen) to go to
next question.

Note:
If you wish keep a record of how many you answer correctly. Note that some responses are worth ½
a point, however the best answer is always awarded 1 point.
Question 11

The maximum tension force at any location in he pile during the first 2L/c is
approximately :

 A. 0 t

 B. 15.3 t

 C. 35.7 t

 D. 56.1 t

 E. 76.4 t
Question 12

This data for a 9.8m long pile indicates …..

 A. low shaft resistance and low toe (bottom) resistance

 B. low shaft resistance and high toe (bottom) resistance

 C. high shaft resistance and low toe (bottom) resistance

 D. high shaft resistance and high toe (bottom) resistance

 E. a pile with negative skin friction (downdrag)

Question 13

For this blow, the maximum pile toe (pile bottom) force is approximately …..

 A. 66 t

 B. 87 t

 C. 122 t

 D. 153 t

 E. 194 t
Question 14

The maximum tension stress at any location along the pile length reaches …..

 A. 0.05 to 0.06 t/cm2

 B. 0.09 to 0.10 t/cm2

 C. 0.03 to 0.04 t/cm2

 D. 0.06 to 0.07 t/cm2

 E. the pile is not subjected to tension stresses during the blow shown
Question 15

For this blow, the maximum compression force in the pile is approximately …..

 A. 0 t

 B. 203 t

 C. 255 t

½ D. 367 t

 E. 418 t
Question 16

In the sequence of blows shown on the next slide, the first and last restrike blows at 24
hours, and the first and last restrike blows at 75 days. The shaft resistance …..

 A. increases from the start to the finish during each restrike sequence

 B. decreases from the start to the finish during each restrike sequence

 C. increases after driving and also after the 24 hour restrike

 D. increases from each blow to the next for all 6 blows shown

½ E. Options B and C
Data records for Question 16 and 17
Question 17

The upward-travelling wave curve for Blow 11 (75 day restrike) shows a small change in
the slope at about 4 ms after the maximum value of Wave Up. This change in slope is not
apparent in Blow 1 (75 day restrike). It is probably…..

 A. due to unloading of shaft resistance

 B. due to reloading of shaft resistance

 C. due to damage developing

 D. due to the toe (bottom) reflection

 E. due to reduction of shaft resistance during the restrike sequence

Question 18

In the sequence of blows shown on the next slide, the capacity of the pile at the end of drive
(Blow 778) ……

½ A. is greater than for Blow 382 during the drive sequence

½ B. is about the same as at the end of redrive (Blow 204)

½ C. is greater than at the start of redrive (Blow 4)

 D. Options A and B only

 E. All of the above

Data records for Question 18
Question 19

For this blow, the upward travelling wave decreases after time=23 ms (2L/c time) and then
increases to a peak at time= 26 ms. This is because ……

 A. the pile toe (bottom) is penetrating through a sequence of soft and hard soil layers

 B. the pile toe (bottom) response is tensile at small toe (bottom) displacements

 C. of pore pressure effects

 D. the pile toe is buckled

 E. the shaft resistance decreases just above the pile toe (bottom)
Question 20

The pile capacity at the end of driving (Blow 778) is approximately…………… (choose the
closest answer assuming dynamic effects are negligible because pile has reached hard rock)

 A. 62 t

 B. 94 t

 C. 122 t

 D. 165 t

 E. 247 t
End of Trial Exam (Part B2)
 Trial Exam (Part B2)

Questions 11–20 (English/US units)

The next ten (10) questions refer to the data record(s) that accompany each question. To select an
answer from the multiple-choices, left-click as previously on the radio button. To deselect an answer
left-click again on the radio button. Click on the navigation buttons (top right of screen) to go to
next question.

Note:
If you wish keep a record of how many you answer correctly. Note that some responses are worth ½
a point, however the best answer is always awarded 1 point.
Question 11

The maximum tension force at any location in he pile during the first 2L/c is
approximately :

 A. 0 kip

 B. 34 kip

 C. 78 kip

 D. 123 kip

 E. 168 kip
Question 12

This data for a 9.8m long pile indicates …..

 A. low shaft resistance and low toe (bottom) resistance

 B. low shaft resistance and high toe (bottom) resistance

 C. high shaft resistance and low toe (bottom) resistance

 D. high shaft resistance and high toe (bottom) resistance

 E. a pile with negative skin friction (downdrag)

Question 13

For this blow, the maximum pile toe (pile bottom) force is approximately …..

 A. 145 kip

 B. 190 kip

 C. 270 kip

 D. 335 kip

 E. 425 kip
Question 14

The maximum tension stress at any location along the pile length reaches …..

 A. 0.73 to 0.87 ksi

 B. 1.23 to 1.45 ksi

 C. 0.43 to 0.5 ksi

 D. 0.87 to 1.0 ksi

 E. the pile is not subjected to tension stresses during the blow shown
Question 15

For this blow, the maximum compression force in the pile is approximately …..

 A. 0 kip

 B. 450 kip

 C. 560 kip

½ D. 810 kip

 E. 920 kip
Question 16

In the sequence of blows shown on the next slide, the first and last restrike blows at 24
hours, and the first and last restrike blows at 75 days. The shaft resistance …..

 A. increases from the start to the finish during each restrike sequence

 B. decreases from the start to the finish during each restrike sequence

 C. increases after driving and also after the 24 hour restrike

 D. increases from each blow to the next for all 6 blows shown

½ E. Options B and C
Data records for Question 16 and 17
Question 17

The upward-travelling wave curve for Blow 11 (75 day restrike) shows a small change in
the slope at about 4 ms after the maximum value of Wave Up. This change in slope is not
apparent in Blow 1 (75 day restrike). It is probably…..

 A. due to unloading of shaft resistance

 B. due to reloading of shaft resistance

 C. due to damage developing

 D. due to the toe (bottom) reflection

 E. due to reduction of shaft resistance during the restrike sequence

Question 18

In the sequence of blows shown on the next slide, the capacity of the pile at the end of drive
(Blow 778) ……

½ A. is greater than for Blow 382 during the drive sequence

½ B. is about the same as at the end of redrive (Blow 204)

½ C. is greater than at the start of redrive (Blow 4)

 D. Options A and B only

 E. All of the above

Data records for Question 18
Question 19

For this blow, the upward travelling wave decreases after time=23 ms (2L/c time) and then
increases to a peak at time= 26 ms. This is because ……

 A. the pile toe (bottom) is penetrating through a sequence of soft and hard soil layers

 B. the pile toe (bottom) response is tensile at small toe (bottom) displacements

 C. of pore pressure effects

 D. the pile toe is buckled

 E. the shaft resistance decreases just above the pile toe (bottom)
Question 20

The pile capacity at the end of driving (Blow 778) is approximately…… (choose the
closest answer assuming dynamic effects are negligible because pile has reached hard rock)

 A. 137 kip

 B. 207 kip

 C. 270 kip

 D. 364 kip

 E. 544 kip
End of Trial Exam (Part B2)