Index (Click on the links below):
Bi-directional testing and related links:
- Conventional Bi-Directional Static Load Testing
- Description of the Osterberg cell (O-cell)
- Advantages of the O-cell
- World records for O-cell tests
- Osterberg Cell size & maximum capacity Information
Uni-directional testing:
Equipment:
QAQC & other services:
Conventional Bi-Directional Static Load Testing
Drilled Shafts, Bored Piles and Caissons
The O-cell® is used in production and non-production piles/drilled shafts either attached to the pile/shaft’s reinforcing steel cage or placed using a steel beam carrier frame. Multiple O-cells® can be used and placed on the same plane to increase the available test capacity.
Driven Piles
Specially constructed O-cells® can be attached to driven piling. Load testing can be performed on prestressed concrete piles, steel pipe piles and cylinder piles. For driven piles, a rugged design ensures that O-cells® driven to refusal conditions perform as designed. Staged testing over weeks, months or even years is possible when pile freeze or relaxation is expected.
Slurry Walls / Barrettes
Multiple O-cells® can be placed in series to test rectangular panel sections.
Auger Cast Piles
Small diameter O-cells® can be inserted into the fresh grout immediately after pile construction.
Dual level Bi-Directional Static Load Testing
Single or multiple O-cells® can be used and placed on the same plane to increase the available test capacity and can be arranged on multiple levels to isolate strata of interest.
|
Nominal Diameter |
Nominal Capacity * |
||
|
( in ) |
( mm ) |
( kips ) |
( MN ) |
|
5 |
130 |
170 |
0.76 |
|
9 |
230 |
450 |
2.00 |
|
13 |
330 |
870 |
3.87 |
|
21 |
540 |
2000 |
8.90 |
|
26 |
670 |
3640 |
16.2 |
|
34 |
870 |
6150 |
27.4 |
* The O-cell® applies a bi-directional load. The total test capacity is twice the nominal O-cell® capacity.
We offer a wide range of hydraulically operated jacks and manual and pneumatically driven pumps and accessories suitable for operation up to 700 Bar.
Several different electronic load cell configurations are available for a wide range of loads.
We have a range of reaction system designs from which to choose from, these can be manufactured locally or delivered complete. These systems are available for purchase or for hire as required.
Our completely automated static load test equipment can be programmed by GSM modem and the safe progress of the test can be checked and the data retrieved from remote locations or from our head office for analysis and reporting. These systems are available for purchase for use under license or for hire as required.
Conventional Static Load Testing
Static loading tests range from 500kN to 14MN, using the most up to date automated testing systems employing either kentledge or reaction beam arrangements. Click here for details.
Conventional Lateral Testing
Static lateral testing of shafts and piles are performed using state of the art data acquisition equipment to produce accurate P-y curves.
Split Pile/Shaft Lateral Modulus Testing
Lateral testing of specific soil and rock formations are performed with horizontal Osterberg Cell assemblies cast into a shaft or pile.
A comprehensive short/medium term or long term monitoring system may be set up using instrumentation and/or optical sensors which may be deployed, appropriate to the particular project, to measure and record any movements in tunnels or of adjacent structures resulting typically from changes of stresses imposed. Modern recoding systems and display techniques are employed to give real-time representation of the results together with preset alarm/warning levels where appropriate.
Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL)
We provide non-destructive concrete integrity testing for drilled shafts/piles and barrettes.
Pile/Shaft Calipering and Inspection
The pile/shaft wall and bottom can be profiled in most conditions dry or wet. Sonic and laser devices provide accurate measurement of cross-sectional area and verticality.
Long Term Foundation Monitoring
The behavior of instrumented foundations can be automatically and remotely monitored over the life of the construction project and beyond.
LOADTEST will be pleased to assist you with the design of your testing program. We can provide complete technical assistance: preparation of specifications, O-cell® selection and placement details, instrumentation and data acquisition, field installation, load testing, and report preparation.
We also provide a consultancy service together with analysis and interpretation of test results.
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