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Abstract

Deep foundation design and construction entails inherent uncertainties and risks, which are mitigated using full‑scale load testing.  Standard top-down load testing requires an external reaction system.  As test loads surpass 500 tons these reaction systems can become prohibitively expensive, and potentially unsafe.

Bi-directional static load testing (BDSLT) is considered by many engineers to be the premier deep foundation element axial load test method.  It requires no external reaction system, is inherently safe and typically can apply significantly more load to the test element.

This presentation will provide an overview of the benefits of deep foundation testing in general.  The relative advantages and disadvantages of BDSLT, as well as interpretation of test results and some of the technical challenges of implementing this test method will be discussed.

ÁùºÏ±¦µä the speaker

Jon Sinnreich is a founder and the principal engineer of Load Test Consulting, Ltd.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in structural engineering at the University of Florida.  He has participated in hundreds of international bi-directional load test projects and led R&D efforts on various technologies including ultrasonic shaft profiling.  He is a registered professional engineer, current chair of ASTM Subcommittee D18.23 (Field Instrumentation) and the DFI Seismic and Lateral Loads committee, and serves on the DFI Journal editorial board.

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