Dynamic Pile Load Testing

Capability Statement

CMW Geosciences Pty Ltd adopts a hands-on approach to help Clients solve challenges

and manage risk in, on and under the ground.

Our Focus

One of CMW’s specialist geotechnical services is

providing dynamic pile testing services tailored to

meet our Clients’ project needs.

CMW have a number of trained professionals

experienced in undertaking dynamic pile testing

using the SIMBAT technique. All SIMBAT testing

equipment is permanently based in Perth and

available through a local specialist piling

contractor. We can also arrange, with the

specialist contractor, for the provision of piling rigs

to undertake the dynamic loading if required.

Our point of difference is to provide a local WA

focused, high quality dynamic pile testing capability

that is cost effective, efficient and focused on the

WA markets and conditions.

About SIMBAT

The SIMBAT technique is a dynamic pile test that

allows the prediction of static load settlement

behavior of bored, cast-in-place and pre-cast

driven piles as well as driven steel tube and UB

piles. It is recognised as a superior alternative to

other systems, as it includes data validate features,

such as a specifically designed optical theodolite.

The prime advantages of dynamic load testing are

the speed of testing and relatively low costs

compared to static load testing. Typically, up to 6

piles per day can be tested and preliminary results

made available on the same day. The rates are

dependent on access, preparation and type of drop

weight used.

Test Principle

The method is based on analysis of the

propagation of stem waves in long elastic

cylinders. SIMBAT converts downward and

upward (reflected) waves into forces and velocities

and separates these to calculate the dynamic soil

reaction. The conversion of dynamic to static

reaction is then carried out using numerical

simulation.

Dynamic Pile Load Testing

Capability Statement

CMW Geosciences Pty Ltd adopts a hands-on approach to help Clients solve challenges

and manage risk in, on and under the ground.

Methodology

The general SIMBAT dynamic pile testing

methodology is briefly summarised as follows:

• Install the test pile and mobilise pile driving

rig/hammer

• Install instrumentation which comprises a

theodolite target, with two strain gauges and

two accelerometers attached to the sides of

the pile;

• Apply the dynamic load by dropping a mass

onto the top of the pile and record strain,

acceleration and displacement for each blow;

• Repeat this process for a number of blows of

varying drop height to establish a stress-strain

relationship;

• Acceleration and displacement signals are

then integrated using SIMBAT to establish

corrected velocities;

• Further integration is then undertaken using

SIMBAT to convert signals into upward and

downward forces to calculate the dynamic soil

reaction for each blow;

• Dynamic soil reactions are then plotted with

pile penetration. These plots are then

corrected into static loads to develop a static

load curve;

All test data collected (acceleration, strain and

displacement) is stored during the test and can be

analysed immediately if required.

Full analyses are then completed and a dynamic

test pile report provided within 1 or 2 days of the

testing.

Further Contact

For further information or to discuss your dynamic pile testing requirements, please contact:

Dave Morton (Director) Phone: 0499 311 109 Email: davem@cmwgeosciences.com