ITEM 523  DYNAMIC LOAD TEST

523.01  Description

523.02  General

523.03  Equipment

523.04  Test Report

523.05  Basis of Payment

 

523.01  Description.  This work consists of establishing a driving criteria for all the piles of a specified shape, cross-section, and ultimate bearing capacity or as specified on the plans to be installed in the structure.  This shall be accomplished by applying dynamic loads with a pile hammer during driving of production piles to determine driving requirements.  Apply the dynamic load to the piles by a pile hammer that is operating at its normal operating level.  Perform restrike tests when specified in the plans

523.02  General.  Perform dynamic tests on a minimum of two piles.  Perform Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) analysis on at least one of the two piles tested.  Perform test as required by ASTM D 4945 necessary to determine driving requirements to achieve the required ultimate bearing values for the piles to be installed in the structure.

Perform restrike tests after piles have been driven and a minimum time specified in the plans has elapsed.  When performing a restrike, warm the hammer before restriking the pile by applying at least 20 blows to another pile.

Use the hammer selected for driving the test load pile to drive all piles represented by the load test piles.  If the Contractor subsequently finds it necessary to use a different hammer or multiple hammers to drive piles represented by dynamic load testing, or if the hammer performance varies subsequent to the dynamic test, complete additional test at no additional cost to the Department.

523.03  Equipment.  Supply all required dynamic testing equipment necessary to run the test set forth in ASTM D 4945.  Supply personnel with at least Advanced PDA Certification in the DFI/FQA Examination for high-strain dynamic load testing to operate this equipment.  Supply the Engineer a copy of the certificate showing that personnel operating dynamic testing equipment are currently certified.  Supply all personnel and equipment needed to strike the test pile with the pile hammer.

523.04  Test Report.  Perform dynamic test and CAPWAP and immediately provide the Engineer driving criteria for any piles to be driven within the next 48 hours.  Within 48 hours after performing the dynamic pile test or restrike tests, supply the Engineer with a written report confirming driving requirements for piles represented by the test.  Include in the report, the required blow count for:

A.     The different strokes of the ram at 6-inch (150 mm) intervals within the expected range of operation as determined by a wave equation analysis (WEAP), when open ended diesel hammers and drop hammers are used.

B.      The selected bounce pressures when closed end diesel hammers are used.

C.      The operating air pressure and stroke when an air operated hammer is used.

D.      The selected output energy or stroke when a hydraulic hammer is used.

523.05  Basis of Payment.  The Department will pay for dynamic load testing after being provided the written test at the contract price as follows:

Item           unit                                Description

523             Each                                Dynamic Load Testing

523             Each                                Restrike