Dynamic load tests are carried out by striking the pile with a hammer and observing the resulting forces and motions recorded near the pile head.

The static behaviour of the test pile can then be predicted from the resultant dynamic measurements.

NDT Services Ltd employ the recognised and proven ‘Simbat tm’ system of pile dynamic testing.

Typically up to 10 piles per day can be tested with preliminary results issued upon retrieval of data.

The principle

The system is based on wave propagation within the pile. The pile is struck with a drop hammer, the mass of which depends on pile diameter. Strain gauges bonded to the side of the pile measure strain under the impact. This is then converted to force from a knowledge of the pile section and modulus. The output from the acceleylometers is integrated to give velocity.

Application

The system is applicable to virtually all pile types. The only limitation is the size of drop mass that can be transported and handled on site.