Pinnacle Geotechnical Testing (M) Sdn. Bhd.

(1553990-X)

33-3B Jalan PJU 1/3C, SunwayMas Commercial Centre, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. pinnaclefoundation.t@gmail.com

METHODOD STATEMENT
for HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC TEST
(PDA)

QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR FOUNDATION TESTING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. TEST EQUIPMENT

3. DATA ACQUISITION

3.1 Attachment of Gages

3.2 Procedures and Termination of Testing
3.3 Signal Processing

4. RESULTS & REPORTING

4.1 PDA Field Testing and Results

4.2 CAPWAP Analysis and Results
4.3 Discussions

TABLE 1 SUMMARY OF PDA FIELD RESULTS

TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF CAPWAP ANALYSIS:
MOBILISED STATIC COMPRESSIVE RESISTANCE
TABLE 3 SUMMARY OF CAPWAP ANALYSIS:
PREDICTED PILE-TOP INSTANTANEOUS SETTLEMENT

APPENDIX 1 BROCHURE OF PDA.

APPENDIX 2 CV AND CERTIFICATE OF TESTER
APPENDIX 3 PILE-TOP PREPARATION OF DRIVEN PILE

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Pile Driving Analyzer® (PDA) system is the most widely employed system for
Dynamic Load Testing and Pile Driving Monitoring in the world. The PDA acquires
data from accelerometers and strain transducers attached to a pile or shaft so that
High Strain Dynamic Tests (ASTM D4945) may be performed. The tests require the
impact of a pile driving hammer or a suitable drop weight.

The real-time PDA results are complemented by analysis with the CAPWAP® signal
matching software, for results that correlate very well with static load tests. High Strain
Dynamic Load Tests may be performed on driven piles, drilled shafts, continuous flight
auger piles, or cast-in-situ piles.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the proposed dynamic load test program are:

1. to predict the static load carrying capacity of pile

2. to assess the integrity of pile
3. to predict the static instantaneous load-settlement curve
4. to carry out driveability study on the hammer-pile system
5. to evaluate the hammer performance
3.0 TEST EQUIPMENT

The proposed equipment and device for the PDA are as follow:

Ite Description Quantit Remarks

m y
1. 8th Generation Pile Driving 1 no For data logging, processing,
Analyzer (PDA) by Pile Dynamic analysis and storage.
Inc.
2. Accelerometer 2 nos For measurement of pile
(equipped with Smart Sensor particle acceleration.
technology)
3. Strain transducer (equipped with 2 nos For measurement of strain of
Smart Sensor technology) a pile.

The performance and specifications of all the above equipment and gages are
conform to the
ASTM D 4945.
Appendix 1 presents the brochure of the PDA.
4.0 DATA ACQUISUTION

4.1 Attachment of Gages

A Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) by Pile Dynamic Inc. and its associated strain
and acceleration transducers will be used to conduct the dynamic pile testing.

In a routine PDA, two strain transducers and two accelerometers will be

attached at a distance of about two pile widths/diameters or more below the
pile-top to avoid the undesirable local contact stresses of the hammer
impacts. They shall be mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the pile for
cancellation of possible bending effects during hammer impact.
4.2 Procedures and Termination of Testing

During PDA testing (restrike or end-of-drive testing), the piles are struck
several times with the hammer. The complete pile dynamic measurements
are obtained for every hammer blows delivered to the pile to check for
repeatability and consistency of the test results. Testing will be terminated
when one of the following conditions is achieved:

(i) the targeted test load/pile capacity is achieved,

(ii) the ultimate capacity of the pile is achieved (which is normally
signified by a relatively large pile-top permanent set in the order of
exceeding 3 to 4mm/blow, or when higher hammer impacts do not
result in significant increase in the driving resistance),
(iii) the induced driving stresses are critical, or
(iv) the structural integrity of the pile is unsatisfactory.

During pile driving monitoring, dynamic measurements are taken

continuously during the pile installation for the whole or a selected range of
pile penetration. This is achieved by attaching the gages to a pile segment
prior to piling (at a location normally near the pile head), and the pile segment
is then pitched and driven while the PDA records the dynamic signals
simultaneously. When the pile head and the gages approach the ground
level, the monitoring is temporary halted to allow relocation of gages to and
splicing of the subsequent pile segment. After the gages have been relocated
to the next pile segment, the segment is thenbeing pitched and spliced to the
formerly installed segment. Subsequently, piling is resumed simultaneously
with the monitoring by the PDA. The process is repeated until any one of the
following conditions is achieved:

(v) the predetermined final pile penetration is achieved,

(vi) the targeted end-of-drive pile capacity is achieved,
(vii) the induced driving stresses are critical, or
(viii) the structural integrity of the pile is unsatisfactory.
4.3 Signal Processing

For every strike of the hammer, signals of pile-top strain and acceleration will be
measured (and derived into force and velocity), conditioned and analysed by the
PDA. The pile top force- and velocity-time traces will be displayed on the LCD
screen.

Real time analogue signals of pile-top force and velocity will be stored in the
memory disk of the PDA.
5.0 RESULTS AND REPORTING

5.1 PDA Field Testing and Results

The PDA on site uses a programme based on the closed-form CASE Methods to compute and provide
immediate results on static pile capacity, transferred hammer energy and induced driving stresses from
the pile-top force and velocity signals.

In brief, PDA measures the total (static plus dynamic) soil resistance acting on the pile. The static
resistance is determined by subtracting the dynamic component which is related to the assumed
damping factor (Jc) entered into the Analyzer. Further analysis is subsequently carried out in the office
using the computer programme, CAPWAP, to check and verify the static pile capacity and other
results of CASE Methods obtained on site. The rigorous CAPWAP analysis should be resorted to for
more accurate assessment.

The field results of the selected signals of each test pile will be summarised in Table 1.

5.2 CAPWAP Analysis and Results

In a routine job, for each of the test piles, one of the recorded signals is selected to be further analysed
using CAPWAP analysis.

The wave equation analysis involves applying the measured pile top velocity-time trace to the top of a
lumped-mass and spring model of the pile. Based on an initial set of assumed pile-soil parameters and
the one-dimensional wave propagation theory, the programme then computes the complementary
force-time record. This computed force-time record is compared to the actual measured force-time
record. The pile and soil resistance model is then adjusted in an iterative procedure until a good match
is obtained between the measured and computed force records.
The pile and soil models finally derived based on the above signal-matching procedure can then be
used to determine the distribution of resistance along the pile length and to estimate the static load-
settlement curve of the pile.

The results of CAPWAP analyses carried out on all the tested piles will be included in the Appendix 1
in the following formats and briefly summarised in Tables 2

(a) Matching curves of the measured and CAPWAP computed signals for force and
velocity.

(b) Plots of the measured force- and velocity-time traces for the blow analysed.

(c) A plot of the mobilised resistance distribution along the shaft and on the base of the pile.

(d) A simulated static load settlement curve.

(e) Complete tabulated summary of the CAPWAP model adopted and final results of the
analysis.

5.3 Discussions
 The results of the PDA field testing and CAPWAP analysis will be further
discussed and concluded through the following headings:

1. Mobilised Pile Capacity

2. Load Distribution

3. Predicted Load-Settlement Behaviour

4. Pile Integrity

5. Driving Stresses (particularly for PDM) &

6. Hammer Performance (particularly for PDM)

 TABLE 1 - SUMMARY OF PDA FIELD RESULTS (CASE Methods)

+PILE LE LP RMX FMX CSX EMX BTA Integrity

REF. (m) (m) (ton) (ton) (Mpa) (T.m)

Note :

LE Length of pile below gauge level.

LP Length of pile below grade.
RMX
FMX
CSX Maximum average axial compression stress at the gauge level.
EMX Maximum energy transmitted to the gauge level.
BTA Pile Integrity.

TABLE 2 - SUMMARY OF CAPWAP ANALYSIS :

Mobilised Static Compressive Capacity.

PILE Working Skin B Tota Tot Setelment 1

REF. Load , Rs a l, al ,
(Ton) (Ton) s Ru Ru
e (Ton) (Ton)

R
b
(Ton)

6.0 COMPLIANCE

Dynamic Pile Testing is based on the Case Method of pile testing and is known as the High Strain
Method. It is covered by ASTM D4945 Standard Test Method for High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Piles
and ICE Piling Specifications (UK).
COMPANY EXPERIENCE AND RESOURCES

Pinnacle Geotechnical Testing (M) Sdn Bhd is incorporated in Malaysia. The

engineer handing the job has been involved in dynamic pile testing services & ping
Industries in the local construction industry since 2000. Vast experience has been
accumulated by the engineer with the successful completion of projects in Malaysia,
Taiwan, and Australia.

12.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality control is the single most important element in a successful dynamic test. Every
stage in setting up and operation of the testing is subjected to thorough quality assurance
checking procedures. The equipment has many inbuilt checking routines and signals
warning display.

Quality assurance procedures are also followed in data processing and Case Pile Wave
Analysis Program (CAPWAP) analysis. Check reviews and re-analysis will be carried
out prior to final reporting.

The international acceptance of PILE DRIVING ANALYZER (PDA)/ Case Pile Wave
Analysis Program (CAPWAP) system and the proposal to use geotechnical engineers
trained and experienced in the application of the system are the key issues in providing
the necessary quality assurance.
 Appendix 1:
Brochure of PDA

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CV of Tester: Teh Kim Ong

Nationality: Malaysian; married.

Year of Birth: 1968

Education:
1987 - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia
1992 Bachelor of Engineering. (Civil) (Hons). Awarded: First Class Honours.

Membership/ Malaysian Board of Engineers (G. Member)

Affiliation: Malaysian Institution of Engineers (G. Member)

Awards: Gold Medal Award by Malaysian Institution of Engineers, 1992

Registration: Board of Engineers: Graduate Engineer Malaysia

FoundationQA/DFI: Master PDA Tester Australia/USA (yr 2000)

Publication/ *Interpretation of Triaxial Test Results. Teh KO. Presented in “SCOFG ‘ 99:
Paper: Short Course on Soil Investigation and Design for Slope, Kuala Lumpur”,
UTM/JKR/IEM. 11 to 12 May 1999.
*The Suitability of High Strain Dynamic Pile Test on Timber Piles, Micropiles and
Short Piles. Teh KO. “IEM Written Forum on High Strain Dynamic Pile Test”, 2002.
*Driveability Study of Long Spun Pile using Energy Formulas, Wave Equation Analysis and
Pile Driving Monitoring. Teh Kim Ong & JKR Research Group. Research Report for
Engineering Study Program 2004.
*Effects of Piling and Capacity Variation over Time for Displacement Piles in
Young Alluvium. Teh Kim Ong & JKR Research Group. Research Report for
Engineering Study Program 2004.
*Guidelines for Installation and Quality Control of Driven Piles using High Strain
Dynamic Pile Test. Teh Kim Ong & JKR Research Group. Research Report for
Engineering Study Program 2005.
*Specifications for High Strain Dynamic Pile Testing. Teh Kim Ong & JKR
Research Group. Research Report for Engineering Study Program 2005.
*High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Jointed Prestressed Spun Concrete Piles for the
1400MW Coal Fired Power Plant Project in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Krishnan S.
& Teh KO. 16th SEAGC, Petaling Jaya. 2007.
*High Strain Dynamic Pile Test Prediction Event at Johor Bahru Sentral. Hanifah
AA, Ng AK, Toh CT, Lee SK & Teh KO. 16th SEAGC, P. J. 2007.

Talk/ *Evening talk: The 1400MW Coal Fired Power Plant Project, Jimah, Negeri
Presentation Sembilan. Malaysian Institution of Engineers, P.J. 3 Aug 2007 (Jointly with
Krishnan S. & Lee SK)
*Driving Long Pile Through Thick and Soft Sedimentary Deposits – A Discussion
on Termination Criteria. Teh KO. Presented in “IEM Forum: The Myths of Piling to
Set”. 25 Mar 1999.
*A Case Study: Driving Record As A Control/Parameter for Design. Teh KO.
Presented in “PDA User Days”, Malaysia. 3 Oct 1998.

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CV of Tester: Teh Kim Ong (continued)

Professional T Testing Engineers M.D./Test Engineer Dec 03 -present

Experience: Test Technical Laboratory Sdn. Bhd. Test Engineer Mar 97 – Nov 03
Case Consultants S/B Resident Engineer C Jun 96 - Feb 97
Case Consultants Sdn. Bhd. & S Engineer Mar 94 - Jun 96
Minconsult Sdn. Bhd. Geotechnical Engr Jun 92 - Feb 94
Minconsult Sdn. Bhd. Trainee Engineer Jun 91 - Dec 91

Dec 2003 - T Testing Engineers (formerly T Testing Agency)

present Sole Proprietor/Test Engineer: responsible for field testing and office
execution. Projects (parts only) includes:
*1400MW Coal Fired Power Plant, Jimah, Negeri Sembilan: responsible for WEAP
analysis, driveability study, Pile Driving Monitoring, PDA & PIT testing for the
design and QA/QC of onshore and offshore piling works involving
>10,000 nos. of p. c. spun piles. Sizes ranged from 400 to 1000mm dia. Hammer
rams ranged from 7 to 30-ton.
*KLCC Lot C, Kuala Lumpur: PDA testing for a high-rise development with large
diameter cast-insitu concrete bored piles exceeding 90m long.
*Ampersand Condo., Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur: PDA/PIT testing for a high-
rise with large diameter cast-insitu bored piles into limestone formation.
*Hamsphire Condo (phase 2), Kuala Lumpur: PDA/PIT testing for a high-rise with
large diameter bored piles into Kenny Hill-limestone formation.
*The Avare, Kuala Lumpur: PDA testing for high-rise development with bored pile
upto 1.65m diameter using 30-ton hammer.
*Campus of KUTKM, Melaka: PDA testing on r.c. driven piles to clarify disputes in
pile capacity and length among project teams.
*Setia Alam & Setia Eco Park for SP Setia Bhd., Shah Alam: PDA testing on small
size jack-in concrete piles for a large residential development.
*R&D on Piling Works at KUiTTHO for JKR, Batu Pahat: PDA testing and research
project for p. c. spun piles in young/old alluviums.
*Sewage Treatment Plant at Bunus, KL: PDA testing on cast-insitu micropiles with
length exceeding 30m.
*Gerbang Selatan-Land Approach, Johor Baru: PDA testing on large diameter
bored piles in young/old alluviums using 30-ton hammer.
*Environmental Testing & Monitoring: soils and groundwater studies for
Panasonic/Matsushita plants in Selangor and Melaka.

Mar 1997 - Test Technical Laboratory Sdn. Bhd.

Nov 2003 Test Engineer: responsible for technical aspects, execution and
coordination
of field works. Projects includes:
*Dynamic Pile testing (PDA & PIT): Gerbang Selatan – CIQ Building, KLCC-
Convention Centre, MRR2-Viaduct, Upgrading of Jln Sg. Besi, Route 6 Viaduct at
Penang, Offshore Piling at Kuantan Port, Offshore @ Port Dickson International
Marina, Electrified Double Track-Rawang to Ipoh, Western Traffic Dispersal
Scheme etc..
*Environmental Testing & Monitoring: Air, Groundwater & Indoor Monitoring at
STMicroelectronics S/B & Summit Petroleum S/B, Air Scrubbers at Qualitek
Electronics, Air & Noise Monitoring at Putrajaya; Groundwater Monitoring for
Alam Flora; Soil & Groundwater Studies for Contaminated Land Development for
Banjaria S/B etc..

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CV of Tester: Teh Kim Ong (continued)

Mar 1994 - Case Consultants Sdn. Bhd.

Feb 1997 Civil & Structural Engineer: responsible for conceptual study, structural &
geotechnical designs and office management. Projects includes:
*Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong: Sunway Pond, Bandar Sunway: a highway
construction over 35m deep ex-mining pond adjacent to Sg. Klang and a housing
site. Works include dewatering, ground improvement, filling through water, high
embankment and instrumentation. Engaged in conceptual study, detailed design and
preparation of construction drawings. Employed as resident engineer during
construction stage.
*360-Room Hotel, Kota Kinabalu: 18-storey hotel block with 3 levels basement.
Responsible for preparation of geotechnical assessment report with recommendations
for raft foundation, deep (> 25m) excavation into bedrock, temporary retaining wall
and basement structures.
*Rock Slope Study & Monitoring Works, Sunway Lagoon: Engaged in stability assessment
and monitoring works for a high (~ 25m) rock slope.
*New Tawau Airport & Upgrading of Senai Airport: geotechnical assessment,
design & recommendation for foundation and geotechnical aspects.
*Wisma Yadin, Nilai: a mix development consists of twin 10-storey blocks with 4-
storey common podium. Responsible for conceptual study, geotechnical
investigation & assessment, structural designs & drawings, submission to
authorities, tender document & tender evaluation.
*Bintulu Riverfront Development, Sarawak: a 380-acres extension of downtown
Bintulu: responsible for tendering & supervision of site investigation, geotechnical
assessment report, structural & geotechnical designs, construction drawings for 96
units of 3-storey shoplot/office.
*Brighton Service Apartments/Condominiums, Miri: 2 fan-shaped 29 storey condominiums
towers on a waterfront site. Responsible for S.I. supervision, geotechnical assessment report
and foundation designs.

June 1992 - Minconsult Sdn. Bhd.

Feb 1994 Geotechnical Engineer: responsible for tender document, designs, project
coordination and supervision. Projects include:
*Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Power Station - Phase 3, Malaysia: a multi- billions
power generation plant on a reclaimed land with thousands of pile and deep
excavation (>8m) in soft marine clay. Involved in preparation of tender documents
for Soil Investigation Works, Onshore Piling Contract and Offshore Marine Works
Contract. Participated in tendering and evaluation of the later two contracts.
Monitored the S.I. works, prepared the geotechnical assessment report and
conceptual report for pile design. Carried out dynamic (WEAP program) and static
analysis for designs of long spun piles. Involved in detailed technical evaluation on
deep excavation and soil improvement works for the tender of Major Civil Works
Contract.
*Ash Pond Construction For SSAA Power Station -Phase 2, Kapar: a 4m high ash
pond cum flood defense earth bund constructed over soft marine clay. Engaged in
project coordination, supervision, designs and proposals of remedial works using
counterweight berm and piled embankment for distressed bunds. Also assessed on
the Contractor’s extraordinary claims.
*Sime Sembawang Engineering Skid 3 Construction, Johore, Malaysia: a
construction and extension of platform launching skid track and wharf on extremely
soft marine clay/slurry formation. Engaged in the geotechnical condition study and
design of retaining system for the wharf and deep foundation for the skid track.

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CV of Tester: Teh Kim Ong (continued)

*Paka Power Station & Pasir Gudang Power Station Development Project, for YTL
S/B: a seafront power generation plant development that involved deep excavation
(~16m) for pumphouse and piled foundation for various structures. Engaged in
detailed foundation design, dynamic pile analysis (WEAP), design & alternative
appraisal for the deep excavation support & dewatering systems, monitoring of
piling works and evaluation of pile load test results.
*Middle Ring Road Proposal: retaining wall (10m) design and optimization study
on alternatives for an underpass and deep pile caps construction.
*Pekan Substation Extension Project, Pahang for TNB: responsible for tendering &
evaluation and progress coordination of the soil investigation and piling works. Also
prepared geotechnical assessment report and foundation designs for timber and R.C.
piles which subjected to negative skin friction.
*Kulim Tower Project, Johore Baru: carried out designs of diaphragm wall with
temporary supports for 12m deep basement excavation adjacent to high- rise
buildings and sensitive structures.
*Penang Flood Mitigation Project for Jabatan Pengaliran & Saliran: engaged in
assessment and designs of various construction alternatives, proposed an economical
construction method adopting mutually tie-back sheet pile wall for a 5m high
offshore retention pond.
*Shah Alam Sewer Project for PKNS, Selangor: designed remedial works for an
excavation failure in soft clay. Involved in stability assessment and design of ground
improvement works for the construction of four sewerage ponds.
*Hill Resort Road Project - Subsurface Investigation for J.K.R.: supervised the soil
investigation works including borehole, hand auger and trial pit along the corridor
linking Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and Cameroon Highland in which
transportation by means of helicopter was adopted.

June 1991 - Minconsult Sdn. Bhd.

Dec 1991 Geotechnical Trainee Engineer:
*New Klang Valley Expressway for PLUS: evaluated monitoring results and
assessed suitability of various remedial works for a distressed embankment.
*Connaught Power Station for TNB, Klang: developed a computer program for the
analysis and design of sheet pile wall in granular soils.

Research:
Jul 1991 - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
June 1992 Final Year Thesis - “Grouting As A Soil Improvement Method”: a thesis which
reviewed the current theory and practice of using grouting as a soil improvement
method. Laboratory tests were carried out to assess the optimal formulation for a
sandy sample and three case studies were carried out in Singapore with the
courtesy of L & M (S) Ltd.

Other Skill: Programming using computer language.

Language: Proficient in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. Fluent in Chinese

dialects (Hakka & Cantonese).

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 Appendix 3:
Pile-top Preparation for Driven Pile

For concrete pile, steel end plate to be

anchored and flat & to the pile axis.

min the larger of 3D or 1.0m

minimum exposed length is about 3D or 1.0m

(whichever larger) above ground or sea level.

min 0.6m D min 0.6m clearence on

two opposite sides
of smooth concrete surface

Square pile H-pile Tabular pile

Legend:
Accelerometer
Strain transducer

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