Load Testing – waste of time?
Pile Load Testing helps to reduce cost and avoids economic losses if interpreted the right way. Sometimes project developers are getting the sticker shock when they hear the price for a load test, especially when it is a small project where the cost impact is high. Let’s us convince you that it is in your best interest that this is done professionally with the proper procedures.
Environment
Real life is different than Google Maps and even if you think it all looks easy and straight forward you should always check the project site for hidden challenges – and we are not talking about one cactus. Pile testing is a good way of of getting a sense for the challenges on and off site.
Project site exploration
One of the major cost components of the LTP (Load Test Procedure) is the mobilization to the site for a very limited time and scope. Therefore we suggest you let a company perform the LTP who is later also performing the foundation installation, because that provides them already a first look and feel of the project site and they can point out areas of concern or how to improve the overall project performance.
3
weeks
2019
Testing Date
168
piles tested
Arizona
Location
Feasibility & Pile driving time
By driving the posts you will get the first impression about drivability of steel posts, how long that will take or if it’s very likely to hit refusals and how often. Further practical information about the feasibility of using earth screws or the drill-ability of rock can be acquired by testing on site!
PLT – Bottom line
Overall it is a no brainer to perform the test loadings as you reduce risks, maybe reduce costs but for sure know more about the project site and what you are going to face during construction. This is a pretty simple way of risk assessment and possible early mitigation – we have been involved in projects where spending little money upfront would have avoided spending big money later. If you want to hear more please feel free to contact us.
