JOB PROCEDURE FOR VERTICAL LOAD, LATERAL LOAD AND PULL OUT TESTS ON

PILES

Owner :

PMC :

JOB NO :

Contractor :

Package :

Project-09B :

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

Sl. No. Description Page No.

1.0 PURPOSE 3

2.0 SCOPE 3

3.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 4

4.0 ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES 4

5.0 PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 4

6.0 PROCEDURE - 5-14

a. a) VERTICAL LOAD TEST

a
b. b) LATERAL LOAD TEST
b
a. c) PULL OUT TEST
c
7.0 HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT 14

8.0 DOCUMENTATION 15

1.0 Purpose:

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 The Purpose of this procedure is to carry out Vertical, Lateral, Pull out test on Initial and
routine Piles at 09B package – Steam Turbo Generator (STG).

2.0 Scope:
The scope covers to execute 500mm, 600mm, 750mm dia bored cast-in-situ pile at proposed
location. Installation of Bored Cast in-situ piling works involves various activities like boring,
liner installation, cage lowering, tremie lowering, concrete etc. including co-ordination of
activities.
The intention of this document is to describe methodology for performing routine vertical pile
load tests on installed bored case in-situ piles at the designated locations provided
This load tests will be carried out as per the following details:
For Initial Pile
 Diameter of pile, mm 500,600,750 mm

 *Test load (MT) (2.5 x DL)

*Maximum test Load test shall correspond to a total settlement of 10% of Pile dia or 2.5
times of the safe load whichever occurs earlier.
For Routine Pile
 Diameter of pile, mm 500,600,750 mm

 *Test load (MT) (1.5 x DL)

*Maximum test Load test for piles diameter up to and including 600 mm shall correspond to a
total settlement of 12 mm or 1.5 times of the safe load whichever occurs earlier.
*Maximum test Load test for piles diameter more than 600 mm shall correspond to a total
settlement of 18 mm (or 2 percent of pile diameter whichever is less) or 1.5 times of the safe load
whichever occurs earlier.
.

3.0 References:

All works related to Load test on piles shall conform as per -

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  EIL Specification no. 6-68-0004 Rev-07-Standard Specification of Civil and structural
works-Plain and Reinforced cement concrete.
 IS 2911 (Part IV) – Code of practice for design and construction of pile foundation.

4.0 Roles and Responsibilities

 Project Manager: Project Manager shall be responsible for overall management of

all construction activities at site.
 Construction Manager: Construction Manager is responsible for monitor the daily
construction activities at site.
 Safety Engineer: Safety Engineer shall be responsible for monitoring the works and
ensure all HSE requirements are implemented and complied during the job.
 Quality Manager: Quality Manager shall be responsible for overall Quality
activities at site.
 QA/QC Engineer: QA/ QC Engineer shall be responsible for site QA/ QC activities,
non-conformance management and compilation of records.
 Field Engineers: Field Engineers shall be responsible for the site construction
activities and implementation of all plans

5.0 Plant & Equipment:

 Cranes.
 D.G.set
 Jack
 Dial Gauge
 Pressure Gauge
 Hydraulic Pump etc.

6.0 Procedure:

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 A) Vertical Load Test

Vertical Load Test Loading Arrangements: -

 The proposed vertical pile load test will be carried out using kentledge system. The arrangement of
kentledge system will be as per typical drawing appended in Annexure I. The center of gravity of the
kentledge will be adjusted in such a way that the axis of the pile and the load applied by the jack will
be coaxial with the test pile.

 The testing location for all the vertical pile load tests is assumed to be levelled ground and the test
will be carried out at the pile cut-off level.

Preparation for Vertical Pile Load Tests: -

The following step by step procedure will be adopted for carrying out vertical pile load test.
 Location of the test pile will be identified as per the requirement.
 Prior information will be given to Engineer in charge before start of test.
 The pile head will be prepared for testing in the following manner.
 The top surface of the loading platform is to be cleared to natural horizontal plane and testing must
be done at pile cut-off level / EGL based on the site condition
 The pile head will be prepared as per the procedure stipulated in IS 2911 Part 4.
 The loading system will be prepared using a kentledge arrangement as shown in Annexure-I.
 Ground surface will be compacted and prepared smooth prior to placement foundation blocks.
 A calibrated hydraulic jack of capacity more than test load will be used for loading purpose.
 Appropriate steel packing plates will be used as per site requirements to provide necessary support
between loading jack and pile or loading column or primary beams.
 Two datum bars will be installed on either side of the testing pile (as per the convenience at the test
pile location) to support 4 nos. of calibrated dial gauges with least count of 0.01mm.
 Movement of the pile will be monitored by recording the readings in dial gauges.
 All testing equipment and monitoring units will be protected from disturbances prior to and throughout
the testing.

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 Loading Procedure for Pile Load Tests: -

 As described above, loading of the piles will be carried out by means of jacking the primary beam
against the reaction from kentledge.
 The kentledge load will be 25 % more than the test load. The test will be carried out by applying a
series of vertical downward incremental load with each increment being about 20% of the load on
the pile.
 The increment of test load and monitoring measurement in each stage of loading will be as per IS
2911 Part 4 -2013, i.e. the rate of settlement is equal to either 0.2 mm/h or until 2 hours have
elapsed, whichever is earlier subjected to a minimum of 1 hr. The final test load will be maintained
for a period of 24 hours after stabilization of settlements.

Settlement Measurements: -

 Four calibrated dial gauges of least count 0.01mm will be mounted and recorded independently for
vertical pile load test. For plotting purposes, the average of the recorded readings of the dial gauges
will be taken. Readings will be recorded at 2 min, 4 min, 8 min, 15 min, 30 min ,60 min of next load
increment as per IS 2911 Part 4 - 2013.

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 The loading and settlement/displacement monitoring records will be kept promptly throughout the
testing period and duly signed by the supervising authorities. A copy of the same will be distributed to
the supervising authorities on request.
Results: -

 The complete load - settlement records with necessary remarks will be provided in tabular form and
in graphical form.

Criteria for Acceptance: -

The safe capacity of the pile from the pile load tests will be evaluated as per the specifications
given by the client (EIL Specification No 6-74-0013 Rev 03 & IS Code 2911 Part-4).

The safe capacity of pile from initial vertical pile load test is least of the following: -

a) For piles up to and including 600mm dia:

 Two-thirds of the final load at which the total displacement attains a value of 12 mm unless otherwise
required in a given case on the basis of nature and type of structure in which case, the safe load
should be corresponding to the stated total displacement permissible; and
 Fifty percent of the final load at which the total displacement equal to 10 percent of the pile diameter
in case of uniform diameter piles and 7.5 percent of bulb diameter in case of under-reamed piles.

b) For piles more than 600mm dia: -

 Two-thirds of the final load at which the total displacement attains a value of 18 mm or
maximum of 2 percent pile diameter whichever is less unless otherwise required in a given
case on the basis of nature and type of structure in which case, the safe load should be
corresponding to the stated total displacement permissible; and
 50 percent of the final load at which the total displacement equal to 10 percent of the pile
diameter in case of uniform diameter piles and 7.5 percent of bulb diameter in case of under-
reamed piles.
For Routine Load test:

 However, routine test shall be carried for a test load of at least 1.5 times the working load; the
maximum settlement at the test load being not greater than 12 mm for piles diameter up to and
including 600 mm and 18 mm or 2 percent of pile diameter whichever is less for piles of
diameter more than 600 mm.

B) Lateral Load Teat

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Lateral Load Test Loading Arrangements: -
 The proposed lateral pile load test will be carried out using abutting the pile horizontally and reacting
against a suitable system. The reaction may be provided by the wall of the excavated pit when the
test is being conducted below ground level or by a neighbouring pile in which case thrust pieces shall
be inserted on either end of the jack to make up the gap. The arrangement of this system will be as
per typical drawing appended in Annexure I.
 The reaction for conducting lateral Pile either is neighboring pile or from block support.

Preparation for Routine Lateral Pile Load Tests: -

The following step by step procedure will be adopted for carrying out routine lateral pile load test.
 Location of the testing pile shall be identified.
 Prior information will be given before commencement of testing.
 The pile head will be prepared for testing in the following manner.

 The top and surface of the pile will be cleared, and the testing will be carried out at cut-off level.
 The excavation will be made up to required depth to expose the pile up to test level.
 Appropriate excavation will be done at surrounding area of test pile (i.e. zone of influence of lateral
soil resistance) up to designed pile COL.
 Loading system will be prepared for testing as per IS 2911, Part 4.

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 The arrangement of jack and loading set up will be presented in a detailed drawing issued
separately.
 Hydraulic jack of adequate capacity will be placed in between the test pile and reaction.
 A datum bar will be prepared on the other side of the testing pile to support the dial gauge.
 Two calibrated dial gauges of least count 0.01mm will be mounted to measure the displacement of
pile as per IS-2911 part 4. Valid calibration certificates will be provided prior to commencement of
testing.
 In case of unapproachable cut-off levels, displacements shall be read by using at least two dial
gauges or LVDTs of 0.01 mm sensitivity (see Fig. 1) spaced at 30 cm and kept horizontally one
above the other on the test pile and the displacement shall be interpolated at cut-off level from similar
triangles. However, for approachable cut-off levels, one dial gauge or LVDT placed diametrically
opposite to the jack shall directly measure the displacement. Where, it is not possible to locate one of
the dial gauges in the line of the jack axes, there two dial gauges may be kept at 30 cm at a suitable
height and the displacement interpolated at load point from similar triangles.

NOTES
 One of the methods for keeping dial gauge on pile surface is to chip off uneven concrete on the side
of the pile and to fix a glass piece of 20 to 30 mm square. The dial gauges tips shall rest on the
central portion of the glass plate.
 In case the hydraulic jack is placed in between test pile and reaction pile, one dial gauge or LVDT
shall be suitably placed on reaction pile to measure the displacement of reaction pile.

Loading Procedure for Pile Load Tests: -

 Application of the loading will be carried out by means of jacking the testing pile against the reaction
from the support pile. The capacity of the jack will always be more than the ultimate test load. The
load increments are show each load increment will be maintained until the rate of displacement is
equal to or less than either 0.1 mm per 30 min.
 Application of the loading will be carried out to satisfy the acceptance criteria stipulated in Section 6. If
the safe lateral load is complied with the requirements, the lateral load will be unloaded with
decrements of 20% of final loads.

Settlement Measurements: -

 Two calibrated dial gauges of least count 0.01mm will be mounted and recorded independently for
lateral pile load test. For plotting purposes, the average of the recorded readings of the dial gauges
will be taken. Readings will be recorded at 2 min, 4 min, 8 min, 15 min, 30 min ,60 min of next load
increment as per IS 2911 Part 4 - 2013. Sample format of equipment details record & settlement
recording sheet are attached.

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 The loading and settlement/displacement monitoring records will be kept promptly throughout the
testing period and duly signed by the supervising authorities. A copy of the same will be distributed to
the supervising authorities, on request
 The loading and settlement/displacement monitoring records will be kept promptly throughout the
testing period and duly signed by the supervising authority.

Results: -

 The complete load - settlement records with necessary remarks will be provided in tabular
form and in graphical form.

Criteria for Acceptance: -

The safe capacity of the pile from the load tests will be evaluated as per the specifications given by
the client (EIL Spec.: 6-74-0013 Rev. 03 & IS: 2911 part 4).

The safe capacity of pile from lateral pile load test is least of the following.

 Fifty percent of the final load at which the total displacement increases to 12 mm.
 Final load at which the total displacement corresponds to 5 mm
 Load corresponding to any other specified displacement as per performance or design requirements.
 Routine lateral load test shall be carried out for a test load equal to the working load, the maximum
Deflection of test loading in position shall not exceed 5 mm.

C) Pull Out Test

Uplift Load Test Loading Arrangements: -

 The proposed uplift pile load test will be carried out using reaction girder system. The reaction may be
provided by blocks supporting the reaction girder. A hydraulic jack shall be used for load application.
The arrangement of this system will be as per typical drawing appended in Annexure I.

 The reaction setup for conducting uplift as shown in Figure 1.

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 Figure 1 : Typical Uplift Pile Load Test Set

Preparation for Uplift Pile Load Tests: -

The following step by step procedure will be adopted for carrying out uplift pile load test.
 Location of the test pile will be identified.
 Prior information will be given before commencement of testing.
 The pile head will be prepared in the following manner:
 The top surface of the loading platform is to be cleared and the testing must be done at test level of
pile.
 The pile is to be provided with a suitable connecting system that can be connected to the reaction
girder. Bolting / welding arrangement will be done to connect test pile reinforcement to the reaction
girder. The pile top will be levelled so that dial gauges can be properly placed.
 Frame setup for reaction will be prepared as shown in Annexure-I.
 Hydraulic jack system at the center of the reaction beam, vertically above the pile shall be operated
with pump. The reaction platform shall have same size and shape so that the dial gauges are not
damaged in the event of large uplift. Since the dial gauges shall be in rewinding mode in such case,
the gauges shall be set at a value close to the maximum.

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 Loading Procedure for Uplift Pile Load Tests: -

 Load will be applied by means of jacking the test pile against the reaction from two supports on either
side of pile.
 Pile will be tested to test load & each incremental load shall be 20% of design load to be applied on
pile. Each loading increment will be maintained until the rate of displacement is equal to less than
either 0.1 mm per 30 min or 0.2mm per hour or till 2 hours whichever is earlier.
 The loading and settlement/displacement monitoring records will be kept promptly throughout the
testing period and duly signed by the supervising authorities. A copy of the same will be distributed to
the supervising authorities.

Settlement Measurements: -

 Two calibrated dial gauges of least count 0.01mm will be mounted and recorded independently for
uplift pile load test. For plotting purposes, the average of the recorded readings of the dial gauges will
be taken. Readings will be recorded at 2 min, 4 min,8 min, 15 min, 30 min as per IS 2911 Part 4 -
2013.

Results: -

 The complete load - settlement records with necessary remarks will be provided in tabular form and in
graphical form.

Criteria for Acceptance: -

The safe capacity of the pile from the pile load tests will be evaluated as per the specifications given by
the client (Doc. No.: 6-74-0013 Rev. 03 & IS: 2911 part 4).

The safe capacity of pile from initial uplift pile load test is least of the following

a) For pile up to and including 600mm dia.

 Two thirds of the final load at which the total settlement attains a value of 12 mm or the load
corresponding to a specified uplift.
 50% of the load at which the load deflection curve shows a clear break (downward trend).

b) For pile more than 600mm dia.

 Two third of the final load at which the total settlement attains a value of 18mm or maximum of 2% of
pile diameter whichever is less.
 50% of the load at which the load displacement curve shows to a clear break (downward trend).

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5.0 HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

 Contractor shall ensure that the machine operators involved must be an experienced/competent
person.
 All PPE is a must in all the activities involvement.
 It is to be noted that the special care to be adopted against snake / insect’s bite.
 During the movement of equipment, the operator must blow horn to caution the people around.
 All Measuring & Test Equipment’s used must be well maintained.
 All lifting devices & Tolls used shall be well maintained.
 It is to be taken care that no spillage of fuel or lubricants is allowed at site.
 Contractor shall arrange Regular Toolbox Meeting.
 Contractor shall arrange First Aid Box at site.
 Safety is essential and imperative part of the construction process. All relevant personnel who are
involved in the piling activity will be issued with personnel protective equipment (PPE) such as safety
boots, hard hats and high visibility vests / clothing will be provided.
 Safety Supervisor will carry out and adhere to the following activities during execution:
 Conduct toolbox meeting prior to commencement of work without fail.
 Conduct safety inspection and safety meetings.
 Arrange safety induction for new workers who enters first time into the site.
 Issue PPE for all workers and maintain record for the same.
 Keep appropriate equipment and machinery certificates on site.
 Record accidents in “Accident Report Form”.
 Ensure good housekeeping on site

Safety Procedure of Night Work

 Enough lighting will be provided for night shift at working area.

 All night shift employees will wear reflective jackets.
 All activities will be under closed supervision.
 Lighting will be provided for night shift works.
 Availability of senior personal shall be ensured.

Risk Identifications

 Risk of damage to “live utilities”.

 Risk of public wandering into the work area.
 Risk of accident during installation of the temporary steel casing using Rig
 Risk of site personnel falling into boreholes.
 Risk of traffic accidents within the site.

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 Risk Management

 Mark and clearly display the type of utilities.

 Allow only authorized persons with permission.
 Use appropriate PPE before entering work site.
 Cover the borehole with steel mesh and cordon off the area around the opening.

6.0 DOCUMENTATION & RECORDS

Documentation shall be in the line with approved inspection test plans. The complete load -
settlement records with necessary remarks will be provided in tabular form and in graphical form.
Inspection reports in approved formats shall be raised upon carrying out the work.

7.0 ITP’S / FORMATS

ITP no. : ITP FOR PILING WORKS

Format : Standard Penetration Test-[
Pile Load Test (Vertical)- -
Pile Load Test (Lateral
Pile Load Test (up-lift

NOTE. Any conflict in between this procedure & contract document, the contract document to be
followed.

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