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Designation: D 3689 – 90 (Reapproved 1995)

Standard Test Method for

Individual Piles Under Static Axial Tensile Load1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3689; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

INTRODUCTION

This test method covers routine procedures to determine uplift capacity of piles. The provisions
permit the introduction of more detailed requirements and procedures, when required to satisfy the
objectives of the test program. While the procedures herein produce a relationship between applied
load and pile movement, the results may not represent long-term performance.

1. Scope a recommended or advisory provision. Imperative sentences

1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing vertical indicate mandatory provisions. Notes and illustrations included
or batter piles, individually or in groups, to determine response herein are explanatory or advisory.
of the pile or pile group to a static tensile load applied axially 1.4 Wherever in this test method the term pile is used with
to the pile or pile group. This test method is applicable to all reference to the test pile, it shall include test pile groups.
deep foundation units that function in a manner similar to piles, 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
regardless of their method of installation. This test method is as the standard.
divided into the following sections: 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Section
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Referenced Documents 2
Significance and Use 3 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Apparatus for Applying Loads 4 bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
Apparatus for Measuring Movements 5 precautionary statements, see Section 6.
Safety Precautions 6
Loading Procedures 7
Procedures for Measuring Movements 8 2. Referenced Documents
Report 9 2.1 ASTM Standards:
Precision and Bias 10
D 1143 Test Method for Piles Under Static Axial Compres-
1.2 This test method only describes procedures for testing sive Load2
single piles or pile groups. It does not cover the interpretation D 3966 Test Method for Piles Under Lateral Loads2
or analysis of the test results or the application of the test 2.2 ANSI Standard:
results to foundation design. See Appendix X1 for comments B30.1 Safety Code for Jacks3
regarding some of the factors influencing the interpretation of
test results. A qualified geotechnical engineer should interpret 3. Significance and Use
the test results for predicting pile performance and capacity. 3.1 The actual load capacity of a pile-soil system can best be
The term“ failure”, as used in this test method, indicates a rapid determined by testing. Testing measures the response of a
progressive movement of the pile or pile group in the direction pile-soil system to loads and may provide data for research and
of loading under a constant or decreasing load. development, engineering design, quality assurance, or accep-
1.3 Apparatus and procedures designated “optional” are to tance or rejection in accordance with the specifications and
be required only when included in the project specifications contract documents.
and, if not specified, may be used only with the approval of the 3.2 Testing as covered herein, when combined with an
engineer responsible for the foundation design. The word acceptance criterion, is suitable for assurance of pile founda-
“shall” indicates a mandatory provision and “should” indicates tion design and installation under building codes, standards,
and other regulatory statutes.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.11 on Deep
2
Foundations. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
3
Current edition approved May 25, 1990. Published July 1990. Originally Available from American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New
published as D 3689 – 78. Last previous edition D 3689 – 83. York, NY 10018.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 3689
4. Apparatus for Applying Loads plan dimensions to transfer the reaction loads to the soil
without settling at a rate that would prevent maintaining the
4.1 General:
applied loads.
4.1.1 The apparatus for applying known tensile loads to the 4.1.4 The clear distance between the test pile and the
test pile shall be as described in 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, or 4.6 and shall reaction pile(s) or cribbing shall be at least five times the butt
be constructed so that the loads are applied axially minimizing diameter or diagonal dimension of the test pile, but not less
eccentric loading. The method in 4.3 is recommended. The than 8 ft (2.5 m).
method in 4.5 should not be used for ultimatetests or for tests
where large upward movements are anticipated. The method in NOTE 3—The reactions should be far enough away from the test pile so
4.5 can be used to develop high tensile loads with relatively that there is not significant effect on the performance of the test pile due
to external loading. Factors such as type and depth of reaction, soil
low jacking capacity. See 1.3 for use of the method in 4.6. conditions, and magnitude of loads should be considered. When testing
NOTE 1—When a pile group is subject to vertical test loads, cap large diameter drilled shafts or caissons, the practicality of a spacing of
rotations and horizontal displacements may occur. The occurrence of such five times the butt diameter or diagonal dimension should be considered
horizontal movements, and the necessary reactions to resist such move- and the standard modified as warranted.
ments if they are to be prohibited, should be considered when designing 4.1.5 Steel bearing plates of appropriate thickness for the
and constructing the load apparatus for the group test.
loads involved shall be used above and below the hydraulic
NOTE 2—If it is not feasible to apply axial test loads to a batter pile, the
jack ram(s) and load cell(s), except if full bearing is provided
results of a test on a similar nearby vertical pile generally may be used to
evaluate the uplift capacity of the batter pile. on steel reaction piles, and between cap beam(s) and the tops
of concrete or timber reaction piles. The size of the bearing
4.1.2 Where feasible, the immediate area of the test pile or plates shall be not less than the area covered by the base(s) of
pile group shall be excavated to the proposed pile cut-off the hydraulic ram(s) or load cell(s) nor less than the total width
elevation. The test pile(s) shall be cut off or built up to the of the test beam(s), cap beam(s), reaction piles, or any steel
proper grade as necessary to permit construction of the reaction member(s) so as to provide full bearing and distribu-
load-application apparatus, placement of the necessary testing tion of the load. Bearing plates supporting the hydraulic jack
and instrumentation equipment, and observations of the instru- ram(s) on timber cribbing shall have an area not less than five
mentation. times the base area of the ram(s). Bearing plates that support
4.1.3 Reaction piles, if used, shall be of sufficient number test beam(s) on timber cribbing shall have a side dimension not
and installed so as to provide adequate reactive capacity. When less than 1 ft (0.3 m) greater than the total flange width of the
testing a batter pile, reaction piles shall be battered in the same test beam or overall width of double test beams.
direction and angle as the test pile; the test beam(s) shall be 4.1.6 Bearing plates, hydraulic jack ram(s), and load cell(s)
perpendicular to the direction of batter. If two or more reaction shall be centered on test beam(s), cap beam(s), reaction
piles are used at each end of the test beam(s), they shall be member(s), reactions piles, or cribbing. Bearing plates shall be
capped with a suitable steel beam(s) set on steel bearing plates set perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pile. Plates
or directly on and welded to steel reaction piles (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, shall be set in high-strength, quick-setting grout for concrete
and Fig. 3). Cribbing, if used as a reaction, shall be of sufficient reaction piles, or welded to steel reaction piles, or, in the case

NOTE 1—Use stiffener plates between flanges of all beams where structurally required.
FIG. 1 Typical Arrangement Where Two or More Reaction Piles are Used at End of Test Beam Using Set-Up Shown in Fig. 4

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NOTE 1—Use stiffener plates between flanges of all beams where structurally required.
FIG. 2 Typical Arrangement Where Two or More Reaction Piles are Used at End of Test Beam Using Set-Up Shown in Fig. 5 or Fig. 6

NOTE 1—Use stiffener plates between flanges of all beams where structurally required.
FIG. 3 Typical Arrangement Where Two or More Reaction Piles are Used at End of Test Beam Using Set-Up Shown in Fig. 6

of timber reaction piles, set on the pile top which shall be 4.2.2 Unless a calibrated load cell(s) is used, the complete
sawed off on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of jacking system including the hydraulic jack(s), hydraulic
the pile. Bearing plates on cribbing shall be set in a horizontal pump, and pressure gage shall be calibrated as a unit before
plane. each test or series of tests in a test program to an accuracy of
4.2 Testing Equipment: not less than 5 % of the applied load. The hydraulic jack(s)
4.2.1 Hydraulic jacks, including their operation, shall con- shall be calibrated over its complete range of ram travel for
form to ANSI B30.1. increasing and decreasing applied loads. If two or more jacks

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 D 3689
are to be used to apply the test load, they shall be of the same NOTE 5—Considerations should be given to employing a dual load-
ram diameter, connected to a common manifold and pressure measuring system (pressure gage and load cell) to provide as a check and
gage, and operated by a single hydraulic pump. as a backup in case one system malfunctions. Hydraulic jack rams should
have sufficient travel to provide for anticipated pile movements deflections
4.2.3 When an accuracy greater than that obtainable withthe of the test beam and elongation of connections to the test pile. The use of
jacking system is required, a properly constructed load cell(s) a single high-capacity jack is preferred to the use of multiple jacks. If a
or equivalent device(s) shall be used in series with the multiple jacking system is used, each jack should be fitted with a
hydraulic jack(s). Load cell(s) or equivalent device(s) shall be calibrated pressure gage (in addition to the master gage) in order to detect
calibrated prior to the test to an accuracy of not less than 2 % malfunctions and imbalances.
of the applied load and shall be equipped with a spherical 4.3 Load Applied to Pile by Hydraulic Jack(s) Acting
bearing(s). Calibration of load cells shall include eccentric Between Supported Test Beam(s) and a Reaction Frame
loading of 1:100 with an off-center of 1 in. (25 mm). After Anchored to the Pile (Fig. 4):
calibration, load cells shall not be subjected to impact loads. 4.3.1 Center over the test pile a test beam(s) of sufficient
4.2.4 Calibration reports shall be furnished for all testing size and strength to avoid excessive deflection under load with
equipment for which calibration is required, and shall show the adequate space between the bottom flange(s) of the test
temperature at which the calibration was done. beam(s) (including any projecting parts of the connection
NOTE 4—Unless the hydraulic jack pump is attended at all times, it is system to the reaction frame) and the top of the test pile to
recommended that the jacking system be equipped with an automatic provide for the total anticipated upward movement of the test
regulator to hold the load constant as pile movement occurs. pile under test. Support the ends of the test beam(s) with

NOTE 1—Load on pile equals applied load.

NOTE 2—Use same type reaction (piles or cribbing) at both ends of test beam.
NOTE 3—Plate not required for steel reaction pile.
NOTE 4—Use stiffener plates between flanges of all beams where structurally required.
FIG. 4 Typical Set-Up for Applying Tensile Loads to Pile Using Hydraulic Jack Acting Between Test Beam and Reaction Frame
Anchored to Pile

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 D 3689
reaction piles or cribbing. If two or more reaction piles are used to avoid excessive deflection under load. Anchor the test
at each end of the test beam(s), they shall be capped with a beam(s) to the test pile by means of steel straps, bars, cables,
suitable steel beam(s) set on the piles or on bearing plates (Fig. or other devices so that the connection between test pile and
1). test beam(s) will resist the maximum required test load without
4.3.2 Center over the test pile and on the test beam(s) a slippage, rupture, or excessive elongation. Support one of the
hydraulic jack ram(s) (and load cell(s), if used) of sufficient test beam(s) on a hydraulic jack ram(s) (and load cell(s), if
capacity for the required load. Center a reaction frame over the used) with the jack ram(s) supported on a reaction pile(s) or
jack ram(s) (or load cell(s), if used). cribbing. Support the other end of the test beam(s) on a steel
4.3.3 Anchor the reaction frame to the test pile by means of fulcrum or similar device placed on a steel plate supported on
straps or bars welded to the pile or by bars or cables embedded a reaction pile(s) or cribbing.
in the pile. Tension connections between test pile and reaction 4.6 Load Applied to Pile by Hydraulic Jack(s) Acting
frame shall be constructed so as to prevent slippage, rupture, or Against Top of A-Frame or Tripod (Fig. 7) (Optional):
excessive elongation of the connection under the maximum 4.6.1 Center over the test pile an A-frame or tripod of
required test load. sufficient size and strength to avoid excessive deflection under
4.4 Load Applied to Pile by Hydraulic Jacks Acting at Both load. Support the A-frame or tripod on concrete footings,
Ends of Test Beam(s) Anchored to the Pile (Fig. 5)—Center cribbing, or reaction piles. Tie together the bottoms of the
over the test pile a test beam(s) of sufficient size and strength A-frame or tripod legs or their supports, with tension members
to avoid excessive deflection under load. Anchor the test of sufficient strength to prevent spreading of the legs under
beam(s) to the test pile by means of steel straps, bars, cables, load. If an A-frame is used, secure the top against lateral
or other devices so that the connection between test pile and movement with not less than four guy cables anchored firmly
test beam(s) will resist the maximum required test load without to the ground.
slippage, rupture, or excessive elongation. Support each end of 4.6.2 Center over the test pile and on top of the A-frame or
the test beam(s) on a hydraulic jack ram(s) (and load cell(s), if tripod a hydraulic ram(s) of sufficient capacity for the required
used) with the jack ram(s) supported on reaction pile(s) or load. If a center-hole jack ram is not used, center a reaction
cribbing. frame over the jack ram(s) and anchor the reaction frame to the
4.5 Load Applied to Pile By Hydraulic Jack(s) Acting at test pile with tension straps or bars welded to the test pile or
One End of Test Beam(s) Anchored to the Pile (Fig. 6)—Center with bars or cables embedded in the test pile. If a center-hole
over the test pile a test beam(s) of sufficient size and strength jack ram is used, attach the tension bar passing through the ram

NOTE 1—Use same type reaction (piles or cribbing) at both ends of test beam.
NOTE 2—Load on pile is twice the jacking load unless the pressure gage has been calibrated for the two-jack system.
NOTE 3—Use stiffener plates between flanges of all beams where structurally required.
FIG. 5 Typical Set-Up for Applying Tensile Loads to Pile Using Hydraulic Jacks Acting at Ends of Test Beam Anchored to Pile

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NOTE 1—Load on pile 3 A 5 jacking load 3 (A + B).

NOTE 2—Use same type reaction (piles or cribbing) at both ends of test beam.
NOTE 3—Not recommended for ultimate tests.
NOTE 4—For section X-X, see Fig. 5.
NOTE 5—Use stiffener plates between flanges of all beams where structurally required.
FIG. 6 Typical Set-Up for Applying Tensile Loads to Pile Using Hydraulic Jack Acting at One End of Test Beam Anchored to Pile

NOTE 1—The A-frame may be guyed at various angles for testing batter piles or for special directional pull test.
FIG. 7 Typical Set-Up for Applying Tensile Loads to Pile Using Hydraulic Jack(s) Acting at Top of A-Frame

to the center of the test pile. Tension connections between test so as to prevent slippage, rupture, or excessive elongation of
pile and reaction frame or center-hole ram shall be constructed the connection under the maximum required test load.

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5. Apparatus for Measuring Movements NOTE 8—The use of four dial gages mounted 90° apart is recommended
to compensate for lateral movement or rotation of the pile butt due to
5.1 General: accidental eccentric loading.
5.1.1 All reference beams and wires shall be independently NOTE 9—For tests on batter piles, it is recommended that a dial gage be
supported, with supports firmly embedded in the ground and at mounted in line with the direction of batter through the center of the test
a clear distance of not less than 8 ft (2.5 m) from the test pile pile with the gage stem perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pile
and from the reaction piles or cribbing. Reference beams shall and bearing against a lubricated glass plate to measure lateral movements.
be of sufficient stiffness to support the instrumentation so that
5.2.2 Wire, Mirror, and Scale—Two wires, one on each side
excessive variations in readings do not occur. If steel reference
of the test pile, shall be oriented perpendicular to the test
beams are used, one end of the beams shall be free to move
beam(s) and shall be approximately perpendicular to the
horizontally as the length of beams change with temperature
longitudinal axis of the test pile. Each wire shall pass across
variations. Reference beams should be cross-connected if
and be clear of the face of a scale that is mounted parallel to the
necessary for rigidity.
axis of the test pile and that is attached to a mirror fixed to the
NOTE 6—The use of sufficiently stiff reference beams is recommended test pile or pile cap so that consistent readings of axial
to avoid the necessity of cross connecting. If the beams must be cross movement can be made directly from the scale by lining up the
connected, extra precautions must be taken to avoid accidental disturbance wire and its image in the mirror. The wire shall be not more
of the reference system since both beams would be affected.
than 1 in. (25 mm) from the face of the scale. A suitable method
5.1.2 Dial gages shall have at least a 3-in. (75-mm) travel or shall be used to maintain tension in the wires throughout the
sufficient gage blocks shall be provided to allow this travel test so that when plucked or tapped, the wire will return to its
with shorter gage stems. The gages should read to 0.001 in. original position. Piano wire or equivalent type shall be used.
(0.025 mm). Smooth-bearing surfaces perpendicular to the 5.2.3 Surveyor’s Level or Laser Beam—Readings using a
direction of gage-stem travel shall be provided for the gage surveyor’s level or laser shall be taken on a target rod or a scale
stems. Scales used to measure pile movements shall read to 1⁄64 and shall be reference to a permanent bench mark located
or 0.01 in. (0.25 mm). Target rods shall read to 0.001 ft (0.3 outside of the immediate test area or, alternatively, the survey-
mm). or’s level or laser shall be mounted on an object of fixed
5.1.3 All dial gages, scales, and reference points shall be elevation (for example a driven pile) outside of the immediate
clearly marked with a reference number or letter to assist in test area. Reference points or scales used in taking settlement
recording data accurately. Provisions shall be made to protect readings shall be mounted on the sides of the test pile or pile
the instrumentation measuring system and reference system cap and located on opposite sides except that reference points
from adverse temperature variations and from disturbance. All may be on top of the pile cap, or readings may be taken on a
gages, scales, or reference points shall be mounted so as to single fixed point in the center of the test pile top or pile cap
prevent movement relative to the test pile during the test. (see Fig. 7).
5.2 Pile Butt Movements—The apparatus for measuring 5.2.4 Other Types of Measuring Apparatus (Optional)—
axial movement of the test pile butt shall consist of a primary Any other type of measuring device such as electric or optical
and secondary system in accordance with the following meth- gages of proven reliability and that yield an accuracy of 0.01
ods. The method in 5.2.3 shall be used as a check system for all in. (0.25 mm) may be used.
tests except those on batter piles. The method in 5.2.1 is 5.3 Lateral Movements (Optional)—The lateral movements
recommended for the primary measuring system for all tests of the top of the test pile or pile group shall be measuring to an
and shall be used for tests on batter piles. The requirements of accuracy of 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) using either of the following
5.2.1 and 5.2.2 shall apply to both the primary and secondary methods: (a) two dial gages mounted on the reference beam
systems except that for the secondary system only one dial 90° apart with their stems perpendicular to the longitudinal
gage or one wire-mirror-scale shall be required. axis of the test pile(s) and bearing against the sides of the test
NOTE 7—Two separate measuring systems are required in order to pile or plate mounted on the side of the pile or pile cap, or (b)
provide a check on the observed data, to accommodate accidental an engineer’s transit reading from fixed positions scales
disturbance of the measuring system, and to permit continuity of data in mounted horizontally on the sides of the test pile or pile cap
case it becomes necessary to reset the gages or scales. 90° apart with readings referenced to fixed foresights or
5.2.1 Dial Gages—Two reference beams, one on each side backsights. For tests on batter piles, one of the gages or scales
of the test pile, shall be oriented perpendicular to the direction shall be oriented in the direction of the batter.
of the test beam(s). At least two dial gages shall be mounted on 5.4 Incremental Strain Measurements (Optional):
the reference beams approximately equidistant from the center 5.4.1 The test pile(s) shall be instrumented as specified to
of and on opposite sides of the test pile with stems parallel to determine distribution of load transfer from the pile to the soil.
the longitudinal axis of the pile(s) and bearing on lugs firmly If strain rods or telltales are used, they shall be installed in or
attached to the sides of the pile or pile cap. Alternatively, the on the test pile terminating at the pile tip and at other points
two dial gages shall be mounted on opposite sides of the test along the pile as required, and shall be sheathed or encased to
pile with stems parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pile(s) ensure free movement of the rods during the test. The influence
and bearing on lugs firmly attached to the reference beams. of the sheathing on the elastic properties of the pile section
However, gages may be mounted to bear on the top of the pile shall be considered. If electric resistance strain gages are used,
cap. For tests on individual batter piles, the dial gages shall be the gage type and installation shall be as specified and shall
mounted along a line perpendicular to the direction of batter. include temperature compensation gages.

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5.4.2 Pile butt axial movements shall be measured with dial with 1 h between decrements. If pile failure occurs continue
gages (see 5.2.1). The movements of the top of each strain rod jacking the pile until the movement equals 15 % of the largest
relative to the top of the test pile shall be measured with a dial butt diameter or diagonal dimension of the pile(s) tested.
gage reading to 0.001 in. (0.02 mm). Dial gages shall be NOTE 11—Testing a pile to failure provides valuable information to the
referenced to points near the top of the test pile. design engineer and is recommended for pile tests performed prior to the
foundation design or to evaluate comparative performances of different
6. Safety Precautions type piles. Such testing assists in the selection of optimum pile type and
6.1 All operations in connection with pile load testing shall design load.
be carried out in such a manner so as to minimize, avoid, or NOTE 12—If the test pile(s) approaches or has approached incipient
eliminate the exposure of people to hazards. Following are failure at the full test load, consideration may be given to decreasing the
standard loading increments during the latter stages of the test or
examples of safety rules that should be followed in addition to subsequent tests.
general safety requirements applicable to construction opera-
tions. All applicable codes and regulations will apply. 7.3 Cyclic Loading (Optional)—For the first application of
6.1.1 All work areas, walkways, platforms, etc., shall be test load increments, apply such increments in accordance with
kept clear of scrap, debris, small tools, accumulations of snow 7.2. After the application of loads equal to 50, 100, and 150 %
and ice, mud, grease, oil, or other slippery substances. of the pile design load for tests on individual piles, or 50 and
6.1.2 All timbers, and blocking and cribbing material, shall 100 % of the group design load for tests on pile groups,
be in good serviceable condition with flat surfaces and without maintain the total load in each case for 1 h and remove the
rounded edges. applied load decrements equal to the loading increments,
6.1.3 Jacks shall conform to the requirements of ANSI allowing 20 min between decrements. After removing each
B30.1. Jacks shall be equipped with spherical bearing plates or total applied load, reapply the load to each preceding load level
shall be in complete and firm contact with the bearing surfaces in increments equal to 50 % of the design load, allowing 20
and shall be aligned so as to avoid eccentric loading. min between increments. Apply additional loads in accordance
6.1.4 Loads shall not be hoisted, swung, or suspended over with 7.2. After the total required test load has been applied,
anyone and shall be controlled by tag lines. hold and remove the test load in accordance with 7.2.
6.1.5 The attachment of the test pile to the test beam or 7.4 Loading in Excess of 200 % of Pile Design Uplift Load
reaction frame shall be designed and installed to transmit the (Optional)—After the load has been applied and removed in
required loads with an adequate factor of safety. accordance with 7.2, reload the test pile or pile group to the
6.1.6 For tests on batter piles, all inclined jacks, bearing standard test load in increments of 50 % of the pile or pile
plates, test frame members, etc., shall be firmly fixed in place group design load, allowing 20 min between load increments.
or adequately blocked so as to prevent slippage upon release of Then, increase the load to the maximum specified, or to failure
load. if it occurs first, following the standard loading procedures in
6.1.7 Only authorized personnel shall be permitted within 7.2. If failure does not occur, hold the full load in accordance
the immediate test area. with 7.2 and then remove the load in four equal decrements,
allowing 1 h between decrements.
7. Loading Procedures 7.5 Constant Time Interval Loading (Optional)—Follow the
7.1 General—Apply tensile test loads with a hydraulic procedures of 7.2 except apply load in increments of 20 % of
jack(s) in line with the central longitudinal axis of the pile. the pile or group design load with 1 h between load increments
and unload the pile with 1 h between load decrements.
NOTE 10—Before testing piles driven into cohesive soils, sufficient time 7.6 Constant Rate of Uplift Method (Optional):
should elapse between driving and testing to allow dissipation of any
7.6.1 The apparatus for applying loads shall have a capacity
excess pore water pressure that may have resulted from pile driving and
to permit the regain of the soil strength (known as soil freeze or soil as specified and the hydraulic jack ram(s) shall have a
set-up). The length of the waiting period will depend on such things as the minimum travel of 25 % of the average test pile diameter or
amount of excess pore water pressure built up, the degree of soil structure diagonal dimension, or 8 in. (200 mm), whichever is less. A
disturbance resulting from pile driving, and the soil properties. It could mechanical pump equipped with a bleed valve, variable speed
range from a minimum of 3 to 30 days or longer, and the actual required device, or other means of providing a smooth variable delivery
waiting period may be determined by testing or prior experience. shall be used.
7.2 Standard Loading Procedure—Unless failure occurs 7.6.2 Test the pile at an uplift rate within a range of 0.02 to
first, load the pile to 200 % of the anticipated pile design load 0.04 in./min (0.5 to 1.0 mm/min) or as otherwise specified.
for tests on individual piles or to 150 % of the group design Vary the applied load as necessary to maintain the specified
load for tests on pile groups, applying the load in increments of uplift rate. The rate of uplift may be controlled by checking the
25 % of the individual pile or group design load. Maintain each time taken for successive small equal increments of upward
load increment until the rate of movement is not greater than movement and adjusting the rate of jacking accordingly.
0.01 in./h ((0.25 mm)/h) but not longer than 2 h. Provided that Alternatively, any mechanical or electrical device may be used
the test pile has not failed, remove the total test load anytime to control the uplift rate.
after 12 h if the butt movement over a 1-h period is not greater 7.6.3 Continue loading the pile until no further increase in
than 0.01 in. (0.25 mm); otherwise allow the total load to the load is necessary for continuous pile upward movement at
remain on the pile for 24 h. After the required hold time, the specified rate unless the capacity of the loading apparatus
remove the test load in decrements of 25 % of the total test load is reached. Hold the load required to achieve the specified

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uplift rate until the total pile withdrawal is at least 8 in. (200 8.4 Readings for Quick Load Test Method—Take readings
mm) or 25 % of the average pile diameter or diagonal of time, load, and movement, and record immediately before
dimension, whichever is less, after which, release the load. and after the application of each load increment and at
7.6.4 If a video recording system is used to record the test intermediate time intervals as specified. When the maximum
data, a digital clock reading to seconds shall be used and the load has been applied, take readings and record when the
clock and all gages shall be easily readable and located within jacking is stopped. Repeat readings after 21⁄2 min and again at
the camera field. 5 min thereafter. If a longer holding period than in 7.7.2 is
7.7 Quick Load Test Method for Individual Piles (Op- specified, take and record additional readings as specified. Take
tional): readings of time and rebound, and record after all load has been
7.7.1 The apparatus for applying the load shall have a removed. Repeat readings after 21⁄2 min and again at 5 min
capacity as specified and shall be in accordance with 4.3 or 4.4. thereafter.
7.7.2 Apply the load in increments of 10 to 15 % of the NOTE 15—Level readings should be taken on the reference beams and
proposed design load with a constant time interval between on the reaction system using a surveyor’s level or transit and target rod or
increments of 21⁄2 min, or with smaller increments, or longer scale to determine if any excessive movement occurs. Such readings
time intervals, or both, as otherwise specified. Add load should be taken and recorded before any test load is applied, at the
increments until continuous jacking is required to maintain the proposed design load, at the maximum test load, and after all the load has
test load or until the specified capacity of the loading apparatus been removed. Intermediate readings may be required if results during
is reached, whichever occurs first, at which time stop the testing appear unusual.
NOTE 16—When testing piles in granular soils in dewatered excava-
jacking. After a 5-min interval or as otherwise specified, tions which will be submerged during service, the groundwater level
remove the full load from the pile. should be maintained as near to the existing ground surface as possible
NOTE 13—For 7.6 and 7.7, it is recommended that the full test load be and the depth to the groundwater level should be measured and recorded
removed in at least four approximately equal decrements with 5 min during the test.
between decrements so the shape of the rebound curve may be deter-
mined.
9. Report
9.1 The report of the load test shall include the following
8. Procedures for Measuring Pile Movements information when applicable:
8.1 General—For axial movements, take readings on the 9.1.1 General:
test pile or pile cap. For lateral movements, take readings on 9.1.1.1 Project identification,
the sides of the test pile or pile cap. Take required readings at 9.1.1.2 Project location,
each properly identified gage, scale, or reference point as 9.1.1.3 Test site location,
nearly simultaneously as practicable. Clearly indicate and 9.1.1.4 Owner,
explain any adjustments made to instrumentation or to data 9.1.1.5 Structural engineer,
recorded in the field. 9.1.1.6 Geotechnical engineer,
8.2 Standard Measuring Procedures—Take and record 9.1.1.7 Pile contractor,
readings of time, load, and pile movement immediately before 9.1.1.8 Test boring contractor,
and after the application of each load increment or the removal 9.1.1.9 Designation and location of nearest test boring with
of a load decrement. Take and record additional readings after reference to test pile,
each increase in load at the following intervals: 2, 4, 8, 15, 45, 9.1.1.10 Log of nearest test boring,
60, 80, 100, and 120 min. During periods when the load is held 9.1.1.11 Horizontal control datum, and
constant for more than 2 h, take and record readings at 1-h 9.1.1.12 Vertical control (elevation) datum.
intervals. During unloading, take and record readings at 30-min 9.1.2 Pile Installation Equipment:
intervals between decreases in load. After reducing the load to 9.1.2.1 Make, model, type and size of hammer,
zero, take and record readings after 1, 2, and 12 h. 9.1.2.2 Weight of hammer and ram,
NOTE 14—If incremental strain measurements as in 5.4 are made using 9.1.2.3 Stroke of ram,
strain gages, gage readings should be taken and recorded before and after 9.1.2.4 Rated energy of hammer,
the pile is installed and immediately before the application of test loads so 9.1.2.5 Rated capacity of boiler or compressor,
that a complete strain history is obtained and residual stresses can be 9.1.2.6 Type and dimensions of capblock and pile cushion,
accounted for. 9.1.2.7 Weight and dimensions of drive cap and follower,
8.3 Measurements for Constant Rate of Uplift Loading— 9.1.2.8 Size of predrilling or jetting equipment,
Take and record readings of load, time, and pile movement at 9.1.2.9 Weight of clamp, follower, adaptor, and oscillator
least every 30 s or at sufficient intervals to determine the rate for vibratory driver,
of uplift being achieved. If automatic monitoring and recording 9.1.2.10 Type, size, length, and weight of mandrel,
devices are used, they shall be operated continuously during 9.1.2.11 Type, size, and length of auger,
each test. When the pile has achieved its specified rate of uplift, 9.1.2.12 Type and size of grout pump, and
continue to take and record readings for the duration of loading 9.1.2.13 Type, size, wall thickness, and length of drive
and to determine the maximum load applied. During unload- casing.
ing, take and record readings of load, time, and pile recovery 9.1.3 Test and Reaction Piles:
every 1 min. Take and record a final reading 1 h after all load 9.1.3.1 Identification and location of test and reaction piles,
has been removed. 9.1.3.2 Design load of pile or pile group,

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9.1.3.3 Type of pile(s)—test and reaction, 9.1.4.16 Rate of pile penetration s/ft for last 10 ft (3 m)
9.1.3.4 Test pile material including basic specifications, vibratory driving,
9.1.3.5 Tip and butt dimensions of pile(s), 9.1.4.17 Horsepower delivered and frequency of vibratory
9.1.3.6 General quality of timber test piles including occur- driver during final 10 ft (3 m) of pile penetration,
rence of knots, splits, checks and shakes, and straightness of 9.1.4.18 Cause and duration of interruptions in pile instal-
piles, lation, and
9.1.3.7 Preservative treatment and conditioning process 9.1.4.19 Notation of any unusual occurrences during instal-
used for timber test piles including inspection certificates, lation.
9.1.3.8 Wall thickness of pipe test pile, 9.1.5 Pile Testing:
9.1.3.9 Weight per foot of H test pile, 9.1.5.1 Date tested,
9.1.3.10 Description of test pile tip reinforcement or protec- 9.1.5.2 Type test,
tion, 9.1.5.3 Number of piles in group test,
9.1.3.11 Description of banding—timber piles, 9.1.5.4 Sketch showing layout and spacing of piles in
9.1.3.12 Description of special coating used, groups,
9.1.3.13 Test pile (mandrel) weight as driven, 9.1.5.5 Brief description of load application apparatus, in-
9.1.3.14 Date precast test piles made, cluding jack capacity,
9.1.3.15 Concrete cylinder strengths when test pile driven 9.1.5.6 Description of instrumentation used to measure pile
and when pile tested (approximate), movement including location of gages or other reference points
9.1.3.16 Description of internal reinforcement used in test with respect to pile butt (see Note 17),
pile (size, length, number longitudinal bars, arrangement, 9.1.5.7 Description of special instrumentation such as strain
spiral, or tie steel), rods or gages including location of such with reference to pile
9.1.3.17 Condition of precast piles including spalled areas, butt,
cracks, head surface, and straightness of piles, 9.1.5.8 Special testing procedures used,
9.1.3.18 Effective prestress, 9.1.5.9 Tabulation of all time, load, and movement readings,
9.1.3.19 Which piles vertical or batter, 9.1.5.10 Identification and location sketch of all gages,
scales, and reference points (see Note 17),
9.1.3.20 Degree of batter,
9.1.5.11 Description and explanation of adjustments made
9.1.3.21 Length of test pile during driving,
to instrumentation or field data, or both,
9.1.3.22 Embedded length—test and reaction piles,
9.1.5.12 Notation of any unusual occurrences during test-
9.1.3.23 Tested length of test pile, and
ing,
9.1.3.24 Final elevation of test pile butt(s) referenced to
9.1.5.13 Test jack and other required calibration reports,
fixed datum.
9.1.5.14 Groundwater level (see Note 15), and
9.1.4 Pile Installation—Test and Reaction: 9.1.5.15 Temperature and weather conditions during tests.
9.1.4.1 Date driven (installed),
9.1.4.2 Date concreted (cast-in-place), NOTE 17—Photographs can be very helpful in showing the instrumen-
9.1.4.3 Volume of concrete or grout placed in pile, tation set-up, locations of gages, scales, and reference points.
NOTE 18—In addition to the above required information to be reported,
9.1.4.4 Grout pressure used,
the results of any in-place and laboratory soil tests should be made
9.1.4.5 Description of pre-excavation or jetting (depth, size, available for the proper evaluation of test results.
pressure, duration),
9.1.4.6 Operating pressure for double-acting and differential 10. Precision and Bias
type hammers, 10.1 Precision—It is not practicable to specify the precision
9.1.4.7 Throttle setting—diesel hammer (at final driving), of the procedure in this test method for measuring pile
9.1.4.8 Fuel type—diesel hammer, movement versus applied load because each pile is unique due
9.1.4.9 Description of special installation procedures used to the variable nature of the ground in which it is embedded.
such as piles cased off, Furthermore, retesting a particular pile commonly results in
9.1.4.10 Type and location of pile splices, different data from the initial testing due to plastic movement
9.1.4.11 Driving logs (blows per foot), of the ground in which the pile is embedded.
9.1.4.12 Final penetration resistance (blows per inch), 10.2 Bias—There is no true value for the data resulting from
9.1.4.13 Stroke or equivalent stroke of diesel hammer at this test method for measuring pile movement versus applied
final pile penetration, load since each pile is unique due to the variable nature of the
9.1.4.14 When capblock replaced (indicate on log), ground in which it is embedded. Therefore, no statement on
9.1.4.15 When pile cushion replaced (indicate on log), bias is being made.

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APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING INTERPRETATIONS OF TEST RESULTS

X1.1 Potential residual loads (strains) in the pile which X1.6 Possible differences in the performance of a pile in a
could influence the interpreted distribution of load along the group or of a pile group from that of a single isolated pile.
pile shaft.
X1.7 Affect on long-term pile performance of factors such
X1.2 Possible interaction of friction loads from test pile as creep, environmental effects on pile material, friction loads
with downward friction transferred to the soil from reaction from swelling soils, and strength losses.
piles obtaining part or all of their support in soil at levels above
the tip level of the test pile. X1.8 Type of structure to be supported, including sensitiv-
ity of structure to movement and relations between live and
X1.3 Changes in pore water pressure in the soil caused by dead loads.
pile driving, construction fill, and other construction operations
which may influence the test results for frictional support in X1.9 Special testing procedures which may be required for
relatively impervious soils such as clay and silt. the application of certain acceptance criteria or methods of
interpretation.
X1.4 Differences between conditions at time of testing and
X1.10 Requirement that all conditions for nontested piles
after final construction such as changes in grade or groundwa-
be basically identical to those for test pile including such things
ter level.
as subsurface conditions, pile type, length, size and stiffness,
X1.5 Potential loss of soil resistance from events such as and pile installation methods and equipment so that application
excavation, or scour, or both, of surrounding soil. or extrapolation of the test results to such other piles is valid.

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