Static Load Test on Timber Piles

[bedstead]

Looking for any advice/previous experiences in performing a "simple and inexpensive" staic load test on timber piles. The piles are supporting a log stringer bridge, 20m span w/ six piles/abutment. There is an interest to replace the superstructure (log stringers & timber deck) and there is relatively no information on the existing piles or soil conditions.
My intent is to try and come up w/ a procedure to perform a static load test on one of the piles, then using an applicable FofS, design a replacement superstructure.

Any advice on on the most feasible method of testing one pile and not using any additional piles as reaction points would be most welcome, thx.

 

[PEinc]

Refer to ASTM D 1143 - Standard Method for Piles Under Static Axial Compressive Load. Use the Quick Load Test Method described in Section 5.6.

D 1143 shows several methods for loading and testing piles.

 

[BigH]

Could you not contact PDI and check out if they think they can help do a dynamic pile driving analyzer test? They have a set up for caissons - something like a tripod from which they can drop a 5 ton weight. They might have something. Since you have no soils data and this is a "cheap" look at (at least that is what I am presuming), it might be worth a try.

Of course, it would be a good idea to do a boring and see the soil conditions. Still, unless you have the depths of the wood piles, it might be a mute point. Older wood piles might be 45 to 60 ft long; newer ones likely shorter due to availability.

Let us know if you get any more details.