Methodology for Confirming the Micropiles Service Performance Based on Dynamic Tests
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 5
Abstract
The uplift load test is the most widely used technique for assessment of the performance of micropiles. Although this static load test is easy to perform and interpret, it is expensive, slow to implement, and cannot be used systematically because it destroys the micropile. A new methodology based on a simple low-strain dynamic load test (LSDT) is proposed to develop a systematic and inexpensive method for assessment of performance of a large number of micropiles. The advantage of this methodology is that it is easy to carry out, requires low-impact energy compared with a classical dynamic load test, and allows immediate interpretation. After describing the proposed methodology, the calibration, and the subsequent validation of the test method, results from full-scale micropiles at an experimental site and three real sites are presented. The results show that the methodology proposed allows confirming micropile performance under service loads in real time without disturbing the micropile.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank all those who gave their support and encouragement, especially the Fédération National des Travaux Publics (FNTP), and to the members of the project oversight board, especially J. P. Volcke (Franki Fondation), P. Lebouc (Sotraisol Fondations), and P. Vezole. The authors would also like to thank the town hall of Gerzat, France, for making the experimental site available, and SOTRAISOL for performing the micropile tests. The results of this investigation have given rise to Patent Registration No. BFF 13L0853, January 31, 2014.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 5 • May 2017
Copyright
©2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 22, 2015
Accepted: Jul 18, 2016
Published online: Nov 30, 2016
Discussion open until: Apr 30, 2017
Published in print: May 1, 2017
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