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further assumed, and required, that the pile is of a linear elastic material. In high strain
situations, the pile material may go into the plastic range and pile top damage may
result. This could result in unrealistic and inconsistent strain measurements, and
therefore erroneous forces, stresses, energies and capacities. Since the acceleration
signals are generally very similar, one good unit is normally all that is required for a
successful test. A second accelerometer serves as backup and also confirms both
accelerometers are properly functioning when they do yield similar velocity data.

The transducers also should (if at all possible) be attached at least two and preferably
three or more diameters below the pile top to avoid end effects and local contact
stresses. In general for steel piles or pre-stressed concrete piles, the farther from the pile
top the sensors are attached, the better quality the data becomes. The only difference
lower sensor placement makes is that the maximum energy (EMX) is reduced due to the
energy required to compress the pile above the transducers. Attaching near cross section
changes, cracks, welds (horizontal, axial, or spiral), splices, stiffeners or other non-
uniformities should be avoided. It should be noted that “telltale” pipes cause
complications which must be properly accounted for.

For regularly reinforced concrete piles (not prestressed), the transducers should always
be near the pile top (within 1.5 to 3 diameters of pile top) to avoid including cracks
between the strain transducer attachment points which could induce serious errors. For
drilled shafts, using four strain transducers is strongly recommended as it produces
better data, especially if attaching two diameters below the top is impractical.
Composite sections, such as a fully cased drilled shaft, require special considerations for
material properties which are outlined in Section 10.6 on page 127.

3.2 Good Policy Measures

As a word of caution, the following safety measures during sensor attachment and
subsequent field testing are recommended.

• Construction sites can be dangerous. Safety should always be your first priority. Do
not place your head and hands between the hammer and pile. Avoid standing near
the hammer or pile while in operation and do not stand under any object being
lifted. Falling objects cause serious injuries. Plan an escape route before you need
it. If you feel endangered stop what you are doing until the situation is corrected.

• The 8G unit has a replaceable battery, and pile preparation is commonly done with
battery powered drills. However, if corded drills are used, be sure a generator with
adequate power will be available. The generator should be properly grounded.
Take all precautions necessary to avoid potentially fatal electronic shock
if using an AC power source.

• In bad weather (cold, rain, etc.), place the 8G unit in your car or other shelter. Keep
the unit warm and dry. If the ambient air temperature is warm, it is highly advisable
to shade the unit from direct sun. In extreme conditions, air conditioning may be
beneficial.

• Be sure all sensors, drills, bolts, and tools are with you at any test site. Assemble
and test sensors and cables or wireless transmitters on the ground to avoid delays
to the contractor.

• If sensors are to be attached a significant distance above ground, obtaining the

assistance of the pile driving crew to attach sensors is highly recommended. Take

Sensor Attachment: Good Policy Measures