Further information: Cementation Skanska skanska.co.uk/cementation cementation@skanska.co.

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Pile and Foundation Testing

Application Automated Static Load Testing Sonic Integrity Testing Pile Analysis Software Instrumentation Advantages Safer testing system with CRAFT test beams Automation of testing programmes Remote monitoring of test piles Expertise in interpretation of results using Cementation Skanska developed software Patents UK Patent 2323174 Europe Patent 1007793 USA Patent 6311567 Canada Patent 2283807 South Africa Patent 98/2114 India Patent 630/DEL/98 Trademarks TIMESET CEMSOLVE AUTO SLT ASLT AUTO LOAD TEST

Cementation Skanska offers a comprehensive range of foundation tests to assure quality of pile construction and reliability of performance. This datasheet covers some of the activities of the Field Data Acquisition Department of Cementation Skanska which provides an expert and independent service. Our staff are always pleased to discuss any testing to suit client requirements.

The system automatically checks for continued safe operation every 2.5 seconds, making any appropriate corrections to the hydraulic pressure in the jack to maintain the load to within very tight tolerances. The equipment is powered by a rechargeable battery and is designed to be easily transportable (see schematic overleaf). A computer can be used to monitor the load and deflection rate for immediate analysis, either locally or remotely, without interrupting the test. The data may be presented on screen in tabular and graphical forms and printed results can be readily obtained, making reporting easy and fast. Due to the safeguards built in to the automated system, tests can be monitored and controlled remote from the site via mobile telecommunications technology. Over 3000 computer controlled loads tests have been carried out.

Automated Static Load Test System

The monitoring and quality of Static Load Tests (AUTO LOAD TEST) has been significantly enhanced in terms of safety, reliability and accuracy of the results by computer automation. The computer controls the test in accordance with preset criteria (specification) initiating the load control while recording pile settlements and the applied load. Each test system consists of load and displacement sensors, a microprocessor based data logger/controller, and a hydraulically operated device for application of load. The equipment is capable of measuring and recording the load automatically during a test at pre-set intervals of typically 1 minute, to a resolution of 1kN and pile deflection to 0.01mm.
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CRAFT Beams
Cementation Skanska has developed several CRAFT beams for testing to various loads - 2MN, 4MN, 6MN and 12MN (pictured on front page). These have been designed for safety and ease of use. The secondary beams sit beneath the main

beams and come to site ready assembled. The systems are lower to the ground and therefore considerably safer.

time taken for any stress waves to return to the pile head is an indication of the depth from which it was reflected. In general the test equipment employed is developed by Profound. These systems use sensitive equipment and computer modelling techniques to allow the pile profile to be determined if the soil characteristics are accurately defined. The results are provided as a Time Domain Reflectogram and are plotted with the time scale replaced by depth which provides the clearest format for interpretation and location of any anomalies. Testing and interpretation experience currently runs to over 400,000 pile integrity tests.

Instrumentation
In conjunction with Static Load Testing, we offer a comprehensive range of monitoring packages and instrumentation installation, such as strain gauges and rod extensometers to monitor pile performance.

Sonic Integrity Testing

These low-strain tests check the integrity of pile construction. It is a quick and cost effective method which can enable all piles to be checked to identify which piles may merit a more detailed investigation. The Sonic Integrity Test is carried out by tapping the head of the pile with a small hammer to generate an acoustic wave which spreads throughout the pile. The waves travelling down the pile are reflected from acoustic discontinuities which can be due to changes in section of the pile, differences in materials, changes in soil stiffness or pile construction defects. Returned waves are detected at the pile head using an accelerometer. The system measures the change in pile head velocity as it responds to reflected waves. The

TIMESET/CEMSOLVE
We have proprietary computer programmes for analysis of pile load/settlement characteristics resulting from years of research into pile behaviour. Subject to accurate and sufficient movement from static load test results, such as those provided by the automated equipment, the displacement/ time data can be modelled to project to the final settlement at each load and the significant pile/ soil characteristics for a specific site, together with elastic shortening, developed skin friction and end bearing capacity.

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