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Dynamic Load Testing
Dynamic Load Testing or DLT is a reliable method of load analysis for pile driving activities. On the contrary, static load testing method involves interrupting the pile driving process to set up the pile for load testing and so, DLT remains a preferred method for the infrastructure builders and construction workers. RADISE leverages EDC technology for DLT. The original research was developed by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the University of Florida and licensed to Smart Structures, RADISE’s sister concern.
Embedded Data Collector (EDC) system, primarily consists of a set of strain and acceleration sensors embedded in the concrete piles at the tip and top. Additionally, a wireless radio controller / transmitter, a receiver and laptop software to analyze the data – all combine to form the service architecture.
The sensors are embedded while casting of the pile and are highly durable. This eliminates the time taken in setting up the sensors and other testing kit and gives agility to the process.
The latest advancement, FDOT Method is based on utilizing the tip and top sensors data to obtain independent tip and skin resistances for all the blows during End of Initial Drive (EOID) and Beginning of Restrike (BOR). Since optimum tip and skin settlements do not occur at the same blow, appropriate blows are analyzed to determine optimum tip and skin settlements and resistances during both the EOID and BOR and add appropriate skin and tip capacities to obtain total capacity.
In conventional DLT method where removable sensors are applied, only the skin load can be analyzed. Embedded sensors at the tip gives us real-time information about the tip of each pile being driven. This in turn helps in getting a more accurate result closer to static load testing which is not usually the case for other methods of DLT.
The sensor technology for deep foundations is well established and has been proven on more than 100 bridges. This method demonstrates the soil-structure interaction and provides several options to the stakeholders resulting in economical and accelerated construction in a safe environment. Capacity and integrity are thus assured.