Low Strain Dynamic Testing of Wood Piles Supporting an Existing Pier

by Mohamad Hussein, (M.ASCE), Goble Rausche Likins and Associates, Orlando, United States,
William Wright, (M.ASCE), Goble Rausche Likins and Associates, Orlando, United States,
Billy Edge, (M.ASCE), Goble Rausche Likins and Associates, Orlando, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures Congress XII

Abstract:

This paper presents a case history where low strain dynamic testing was performed to test wood piles supporting an existing structure. Under consideration is a 183 m long wooden pier constructed only two years ago, but using piles that had been used before and recovered from an old structure. The piles were installed at this site by jetting and spudding and without use of a pile driving hammer. Differential settlements and lateral movements are adversely affecting the structure's functionality and risking its stability. Since pile installation records were not kept during construction, low strain dynamic testing was performed to assess piles' integrity and lengths. The data were of good quality assuring the applicability of low strain integrity testing to wood piles even under an existing structure. Results of the tests were useful in defining the structure's integrity and a rehabilitation program.

Subject Headings: Wood piles | Pile tests | Wood structures | Dynamic tests | Strain | Material tests | Bridge tests

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