STATNAMIC Load Testing

The STATNAMIC system of load testing foundation piles was developed by Berminghammer Foundation Equipment of Canada in conjunction with TNO Building and Construction Research of Holland. The test method is designed to produce accurate data on a pile's capacity in an efficient and cost-effective way, using state-of-the-art technology.

Developed in 1987, the system is now in regular use throughout the world. A large number of studies have been carried out showing STATNAMIC test data to be comparable with that obtained in a Static Load Test.

Unlike for a Static Test, the STATNAMIC system does not require an external reaction system such as kentledge or anchor piles. The force applied to the pile is produced by accelerating a mass by use of a rapid-burning propellant fuel within a combustion chamber. During the loading cycle, over 2000 readings are taken of load and displacement and the data is stored in a PC.

A Load-Displacement curve is produced immediately. These parameters are directly measured by use of calibrated instruments, not mathematically derived.

The duration of the loading cycle is approximately 150 milliseconds. Although this is very short, it is still well outside the natural frequency of a pile and this distinguishes the test from a Dynamic Test where an impact is produced by use of a hammer. The STATNAMIC test is not an impact blow and the pile can be fully mobilised without risking damage.

In the PMC systems, the mass is caught in a controlled manner and can be lowered back down within minutes to carry out another loading on the same pile if required.

Two systems are operated by PMC - a 3MN capacity machine which is handled by a mobile crane - and a 1000kN capacity crawler-mounted machine. The 3MN system is transported to site on a single lorry and erected in 2 - 3 hours. Up to five piles can be tested in a day, depending on preparation, access and proximity. The crawler-mounted machine can be testing within an hour of arrival on a low-loader and can test upwards of 10 piles per day.