Static, dynamic and integrity testing of foundation piles and pillars, diaphragm walls, anchors and soil nails — with test loads from 100 kN to more than 30 MN.
From full-scale static load tests to fast, low-cost dynamic and integrity checks across a whole site.
Vertical compression and tension, lateral and raked pile load tests in any configuration — kentledge, anchor-pile or combined.
MethodsA universally applied, relatively inexpensive way to assess bearing capacity, with short preparation time.
How it worksSonic echo, low-strain testing that checks every pile on site quickly for length, necking and cracks.
DetailsWe carry out static tests on foundation piles and pillars, diaphragm walls, anchors and soil nails — vertical (compression and tension), lateral and raked.
Tests use a maintained-load method or a Constant Rate of Penetration (CRP) method. With up-to-date apparatus we can also run cyclic tests — for example, to simulate loads from railway track or vehicle traffic.
Used where anchor piles are not possible or their capacity is insufficient, given the high cost of handling and operating hoisting equipment. Kentledge is also used for zone load tests — for example, on gravel columns or improved soils.
Extra-stiff steel beams keep deformation under load to a minimum, with DYWIDAG pre-stressing THREADBAR® connecting the beams to the anchor piles. Our range of beams allows test loads from 100 kN to over 30 MN, using two, three, four, six or eight anchor piles around the test pile.
A combination of the kentledge and anchor-pile methods, applied where the site calls for both.
Static load testing of foundation piles with measurement of strain distribution along the shaft and at the base using fibre cables — technology developed by fibrisTerre / NZ Sensing.
Loading is generated by striking the pile head with the piling rig's hammer or a steel pile driver weighing 1–5% of the test load, dropped from a height of 0.5 m to 3.0 m.
The stress wave travelling along the pile is logged by accelerometers and extensometers installed about two pile diameters below the head.
Sonic echo testing with a Pile Integrity Tester (PIT) or Pile Echo Tester (PET) is a low-strain dynamic test: a light hammer blow on the pile head sends a compression wave down the shaft, and a sensitive accelerometer records the returning wave.
Reflections reveal pile length, necking, cracks and abrupt changes in the ground layers — so all piles on a site can be checked quickly, with only careful pile-head preparation and access needed. Pile and diaphragm-wall testing also includes cross-hole sonic logging (CSL).
We operate our own static load testers, sensors, hydraulic jacks, pump controllers and pumps.
| Category | Model | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Static load testers | JCQ-503A | Standard type |
| JCQ-503B | Remote supervision type | |
| JCQ-503C | Remote supervision type | |
| JCQ-503D | Portable rugged type | |
| JCQ-503E | Wireless measurement and control type | |
| JCQ-301 | Handheld type | |
| JCQ-302 | Popular type | |
| JCQ-401 | Building bolt tester | |
| JCQ-203 | Displacement detector | |
| Sensors | UPM-50 | Waterproof displacement sensor |
| MS-50 | Displacement sensor | |
| — | Capacitance-type displacement sensor | |
| CYB-10S | Oil pressure sensor | |
| CYB-20S | Oil pressure sensor | |
| YLR-3F | Pressure load sensor | |
| Jacks | QW | Single oil jack |
| QF | Double oil jack | |
| Oil pump controllers | JCQ-500FM | Oil pump flow controller |
| JCQ-500 | Oil pump switch controller | |
| Oil pumps | DBD | Single oil pump |
| BZ70-1 | Double oil pump |
Tell us the pile type, design load and site location — we'll recommend the right test method and programme.