HIGH STRAIN DYNAMIC LOAD TESTING

The Pile Driving Analyser (PDA) system is the most widely employed system for Dynamic Load Testing and Pile Driving Monitoring in the world. High Strain Dynamic Load Tests, also called PDA tests assess pile bearing capacity.

Our PDA testing and CAPWAP® Analysis services are carried out by our experienced technicians.

Pile Driving Analyser systems also evaluate shaft integrity, driving stresses, and hammer energy when monitoring installation. 

PDA tests are performed during driving on sacrificial or production piles, taking advantage of the high strain impact provided by the driving hammer. Re-strike PDA tests are often recommended; if the driving hammer is no longer on location, a drop weight may be used to impact the pile.

Some CMR Tech PDA Test projects include

  • Tonkin Gap
  • FMG Port Hedland
  • Bridge replacements across all over Western Australia
  • Badgingarra Bridge – Duratec
  • Smart Freeways – Belpile
  • Reid Highway – GFWA
  • Garden Island Jetties
  • Fremantle Port Authority Berth Upgrades
  • Port Hedland Port Extensions
  • Geraldton Port Authority Berth Upgrades
  • Narrows Bridge Duplication
  • Mt Henry Traffic Bridge
  • Goongoongup Rail Bridge
  • Windan Traffic Bridge
  • Graham Farmer Tunnel
  • Glen Iris Rail Bridge

CMR Tech utilised the latest PDA-8G system, where the engineer has the option of being in the field for the pile driving test or offf-site using SiteLink® Technology. SiteLink technology transmits PDA test data via Internet to an engineer located elsewhere who follows the test in real time. Test data displays and results are identical in both modes.

The PDA-8G is furnished with the PDA Software Suite, CAPWAP and GRLWEAP. CAPWAP analysis of PDA data is essential for a Dynamic Load Test. It provides the soil resistance distribution along the foundation and simulates a static load test. Extensive correlations between CAPWAP simulated and actual static load tests have proven the reliability of this method of determining pile capacity.

 

The PDA-8G conforms to ASTM D4945 and many other codes and specifications. The PDA Software Suite, consisting of PDA-S with iCAP, PDIPLOT2 and PDI-Curves, outputs reports that satisfy ASTM 4945 requirements. An SPT Software add-on to the PDA-S enables the PDA-8G to determine the energy transferred to SPT rods.