Dynamic Load Test

Dynamic load testing (or dynamic loading) is a method to assess a pile’s bearing capacity by applying a dynamic load to the pile head (a falling mass) while recording acceleration and strain on the pile head. Dynamic load testing is a high strain dynamic test which can be applied after pile installation for concrete piles. For steel or timber piles, dynamic load testing can be done during installation or after installation. The jack should be placed horizontally, between two piles. The load on the jack shall be the same on both the piles. The load will be applied in increments of 20% of the estimated safe load and at the cut off level. The load will be increased after the rate of displacement is nearer to 0.1 mm per 30 minutes. If the cut-off level is approachable, one dial gauge exactly at the cut-off level shall measure the displacement. In case the cut-off level is not approachable, 2 dial gauges 30 cm apart vertically, shall be set up and the lateral displacement of the cut-off level calculated by similar triangles.