Designation: D4945 – 08

Standard Test Method for

High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Deep Foundations1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4945; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* recommended or advisory provision. Imperative sentences

1.1 This dynamic test method covers the procedure for indicate mandatory provisions.
applying an axial impact force with a pile driving hammer or 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
a large drop weight that will cause a relatively high strain at the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
top of an individual vertical or inclined deep foundation unit, standard.
and for measuring the subsequent force and velocity response 1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
of that deep foundation unit. High-strain dynamic testing guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
applies to any deep foundation unit, also referred to herein as Practice D6026.
a “pile,” which functions in a manner similar to a driven pile or 1.7 The method used to specify how data are collected,
a cast-in-place pile regardless of the method of installation, and calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to
which conforms with the requirements of this test method. the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other
1.2 This standard provides minimum requirements for dy- uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this
namic testing of deep foundations. Plans, specifications, or standard is beyond its scope.
provisions (or combinations thereof) prepared by a qualified 1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
engineer may provide additional requirements and procedures safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
as needed to satisfy the objectives of a particular test program. responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
The engineer in responsible charge of the foundation design, priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
referred to herein as the “Engineer”, shall approve any devia- bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific
tions, deletions, or additions to the requirements of this precautionary statement, see Note 4.
standard. 2. Referenced Documents
1.3 The proper conduct and evaluation of high-strain dy-
namic tests requires special knowledge and experience. A 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
qualified engineer should directly supervise the acquisition of C469 Test Method for Static Modulus of Elasticity and
field data and the interpretation of the test results so as to Poisson’s Ratio of Concrete in Compression
predict the actual performance and adequacy of deep founda- D198 Test Methods of Static Tests of Lumber in Structural
tions used in the constructed foundation. A qualified engineer Sizes
shall approve the apparatus used for applying the impact force, D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
driving appurtenances, test rigging, hoist equipment, support Fluids
frames, templates, and test procedures. D1143/D1143M Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes Static Axial Compressive Load
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes D3689 Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under Static
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered Axial Tensile Load
as requirements of the standard. The word “shall” indicates a D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
mandatory provision, and the word “should” indicates a Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
2
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.11 on Deep Foundations. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D4945 – 00. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D4945-08. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright (C) ASTM International. 100 Barr Harbour Dr., P.O. Box C700 West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania USA

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 D4945 – 08
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical 3.2.5 driven pile, n—a deep foundation unit made of pre-
Data formed material with a predetermined shape and size and
typically installed by impact hammering, vibrating, or pushing.
3. Terminology 3.2.6 follower, n—a structural section placed between the
3.1 Definitions—For common definitions of terms used in impact device and the deep foundation during installation or
this standard, see Terminology D653. testing.
3.2.7 hammer cushion, n—the material inserted between the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
hammer striker plate and the helmet on top of the deep
3.2.1 cast in-place pile, n—a deep foundation unit made of foundation.
cement grout or concrete and constructed in its final location, 3.2.8 impact event, n—the period of time during which the
for example, drilled shafts, bored piles, caissons, auger cast deep foundation is moving due to the impact force application.
piles, pressure-injected footings, etc. See Fig. 1.
3.2.2 deep foundation, n—a relatively slender structural 3.2.9 impact force, n—in the case of strain transducers, the
element that transmits some or all of the load it supports to the impact force is obtained by multiplying the measured strain (´)
soil or rock well below the ground surface, that is, a driven with the cross-sectional area (A) and the dynamic modulus of
pile, a cast-in-place pile, or an alternate structural element elasticity (E).
having a similar function. 3.2.10 mandrel, n—a stiff structural member placed inside a
3.2.3 deep foundation cushion, n—the material inserted thin shell to allow impact installation of the thin section shell.
between the helmet on top of the deep foundation and the deep 3.2.11 moment of impact, n—the first time after the start of
foundation (usually plywood). the impact event when the acceleration is zero. See Fig. 1.
3.2.4 deep foundation impedance, n—a measure of the deep 3.2.12 particle velocity, n—the instantaneous velocity of a
foundation’s resistance to motion when subjected to an impact particle in the deep foundation as a strain wave passes by.
event. Deep foundation impedance can be calculated by 3.2.13 restrike, n or v—the redriving of a previously driven
multiplying the cross-sectional area by the dynamic modulus of pile, typically after a waiting period of 15 min to 30 days or
elasticity and dividing the product by the wave speed. Alter- more, to assess changes in ultimate axial compressive static
natively, the impedance can be calculated by multiplying the capacity during the time elapsed after the initial installation.
mass density by the wave speed and cross-sectional area. 3.2.14 wave speed, n—the speed with which a strain wave
Z 5 ~EA / c! 5 rcA (1) propagates through a deep foundation. It is a property of the
deep foundation composition and for one-dimensional wave
where: propagation is equal to the square root of the quotient of the
Z = impedance, Modulus of Elasticity divided by mass density: c = (E/r)1/2.
E = dynamic modulus of elasticity,
A = cross-sectional area, 4. Significance and Use
c = wave speed, and 4.1 Based on the measurements from strain or force, and
r = mass density. acceleration, velocity, or displacement transducers, this test

FIG. 1 Typical Force and Velocity Traces Generated by the Apparatus for Obtaining Dynamic Measurements

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 D4945 – 08
method obtains the force and velocity induced in a pile during event is too small. The Engineer should determine how the size and shape
an axial impact event (see Figs. 1 and 2). The Engineer may of the pile, and the properties of the soil or rock beneath and adjacent to
analyze the acquired data using engineering principles and the pile, affect the amount of movement required to fully mobilize the
static capacity. A permanent net penetration of as little as 2 mm per impact
judgment to evaluate the integrity of the pile, the performance
may indicate that sufficient movement has occurred during the impact
of the impact system, and the maximum compressive and event to fully mobilize the capacity. However, high displacement driven
tensile stresses occurring in the pile. piles may require greater movement to avoid under predicting the static
4.2 If sufficient axial movement occurs during the impact capacity, and cast-in-place piles often require a larger cumulative perma-
event, and after assessing the resulting dynamic soil response nent net penetration for a series of test blows to fully mobilize the
along the side and bottom of the pile, the Engineer may analyze capacity. Static capacity may also decrease or increase over time after the
the results of a high-strain dynamic test to estimate the ultimate pile installation, and both static and dynamic tests represent the capacity
axial static compression capacity (see Note 1). Factors that at the time of the respective test. Correlations between measured ultimate
axial static compression capacity and dynamic test estimates generally
may affect the axial static capacity estimated from dynamic improve when using dynamic restrike tests that account for soil strength
tests include, but are not limited to the: (1) pile installation changes with time (see 6.8).
equipment and procedures, (2) elapsed time since initial NOTE 2—Although interpretation of the dynamic test analysis may
installation, (3) pile material properties and dimensions, (4) provide an estimate of the pile’s tension (uplift) capacity, users of this
type, density, strength, stratification, and saturation of the soil, standard are cautioned to interpret conservatively the side resistance
or rock, or both adjacent to and beneath the pile, (5) quality or estimated from analysis of a single dynamic measurement location, and to
type of dynamic test data, (6) foundation settlement, (7) avoid tension capacity estimates altogether for piles with less than 10 m
analysis method, and (8) engineering judgment and experience. embedded length. (Additional transducers embedded near the pile toe may
also help improve tension capacity estimates.) If the Engineer does not
If the Engineer does not have adequate previous experience
have adequate previous experience for the specific site and pile type with
with these factors, and with the analysis of dynamic test data, the analysis of dynamic test data for tension capacity, then a static load test
then a static load test carried out according to Test Method carried out according to Test Method D3689 should be used to verify
D1143/D1143M should be used to verify estimates of static tension capacity estimates. Test Method D3689 provides a direct and more
capacity and its distribution along the pile length. Test Method reliable measurement of static tension capacity.
D1143/D1143M provides a direct and more reliable measure- NOTE 3—The quality of the result produced by this test method is
ment of static capacity. dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
NOTE 1—The analysis of a dynamic test will under predict the ultimate criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
axial static compression capacity if the pile movement during the impact and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this test method
are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself
assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice
D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

5. Apparatus
5.1 Impact Device—A high-strain dynamic test measures
the pile response to an impact force applied at the pile head and
in concentric alignment with its long axis (see Figs. 2 and 3).
The device used to apply the impact force should provide
sufficient energy to cause pile penetration during the impact
event adequate to mobilize the desired capacity, generally
producing a maximum impact force of the same order of
magnitude, or greater than, the ultimate pile capacity (static
plus dynamic). The Engineer may approve a conventional pile
driving hammer, drop weight, or similar impact device based
on predictive dynamic analysis, experience, or both. The
impact shall not result in dynamic stresses that will damage the
pile, typically less than the yield strength of the pile material
after reduction for potential bending and non-uniform stresses
(commonly 90 % of yield for steel and 85 % for concrete). The
Engineer may require cushions, variable control of the impact
energy (drop height, stroke, fuel settings, hydraulic pressure,
etc.), or both to prevent excessive stress in the pile during all
phases of pile testing.
5.2 Dynamic Measurements—The dynamic measurement
apparatus shall include transducers mounted externally on the
pile surface, or embedded within a concrete pile, that are
capable of independently measuring strain and acceleration
FIG. 2 Typical Arrangement for High-Strain Dynamic Testing of a versus time during the impact event at a minimum of one
Deep Foundation specific location along the pile length as described in 5.2.7.

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 D4945 – 08
repaired and recalibrated, or rejected. The design of transduc-
ers, whether mounted or embedded as single units or as a
combined unit, shall maintain the accuracy of, and prevent
interference between, the individual measurements. In general,
avoid mounting or embedding acceleration, velocity, or dis-
placement transducers so that they bear directly on the force or
strain transducers, and place all transducers so that they have
immediate contact with the pile material.
5.2.4 Strain Transducers—The strain transducers shall in-
clude compensation for temperature effects, and shall have
linear output over the full operating range (typically between
–2000 and +2000 microstrain plus an additional allowance for
possible strain induced by mounting on a rough surface).
Attachment points shall be spaced (dimensions S and H in
Figs. 4-7) no less than 50 mm and no more than 100 mm apart.
When attached to the pile, their natural frequency shall be in
excess of 2000 Hz.
5.2.4.1 As an alternate to strain transducers, axial force
measurements can be made by force transducers placed be-
tween the pile head and the impact device, or affixed in the pile
cross-section, although such transducers may alter the dynamic
characteristics of the driving system, the dynamic pile re-
sponse, or both. Force transducers shall have impedance
between 50 and 200 % of the pile impedance. The output signal
shall be linearly proportional to the axial force, even under

NOTE—Strain transducer and accelerometer may be combined into one

unit on each side of the deep foundation.
FIG. 3 Schematic Diagram of Apparatus for Dynamic Monitoring
of Deep Foundations

5.2.1 External Transducers—For externally mounted trans-

ducers, remove any unsound or deleterious material from the
pile surface and firmly attach a minimum of two of each of type
of transducer at a measurement location that will not penetrate
the ground using bolts, screws, glue, solder, welds, or similar
attachment.
5.2.2 Embedded Transducers—Position the embedded
transducers at each measurement location prior to placing the
pile concrete, firmly supported by the pile reinforcement or
formwork to maintain the transducer location and orientation
during the concrete placement. When located near the pile
head, one of each type of embedded transducer located at the
centroid of the pile cross-section should provide adequate
measurement accuracy, which may be checked by proportion-
ality (see 6.9). Embedded transducers installed along the pile
length and near the pile toe help define the distribution of the
dynamic load within the pile, but usually require data quality
checks other than proportionality, such as redundant transduc-
ers (see 6.9). Embedded transducers shall provide firm anchor-
age to the pile concrete to obtain accurate measurements; the
anchorage and sensors should not significantly change the pile
impedance.
5.2.3 Transducer Accuracy—The transducers shall be cali- NOTE—Shown as separate transducers or alternative combined trans-
brated prior to installation or mounting to an accuracy of 3 % ducers.
throughout the applicable measurement range. If damaged or FIG. 4 Typical Arrangement for Attaching Transducers to
functioning improperly, the transducers shall be replaced, Pipe Piles

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 D4945 – 08

NOTE—Shown as separate transducers.

FIG. 5 Typical Arrangement for Attaching Transducers to NOTE—Shown as combined transducers.
Concrete Piles FIG. 6 Typical Arrangement for Attaching Transducers to
Wood Piles
eccentric load application. The connection between the force
transducers and the deep foundation shall have the smallest to the pile, or transducers connected together and attached to
possible mass and least possible cushion necessary to prevent the pile as a combined unit.
damage. 5.2.7 Placement of Transducers—To avoid irregular stress
5.2.5 Acceleration, Velocity, or Displacement concentrations at the ends of the pile, locate transducers a
Transducers—Velocity data shall be obtained by using the distance of at least 1.5 times the pile width from the top (or
dynamic measurement apparatus to integrate the acceleration bottom) of pile as illustrated in Figs. 4-7. (These figures are
signals from accelerometers. The accelerometers shall be typical, but not exclusionary.) Align transducers with their
directly attached to the pile surface, mounted to the pile with sensitive direction parallel to the long axis of the pile. Arrange
small rigid (solid, nearly cubic shape) metal blocks, or embed- strain transducers so that when averaged their measurements
ded in the pile. Do not use overhanging brackets or plastic cancel axial bending stresses. Arrange accelerometers so that
mounting blocks that can deform during impact. Accelerom- when averaged their measurements cancel movements due to
eters shall be linear to at least 1000 g and 1000 Hz for concrete bending. Unless located at the pile centroid, place similar types
piles. For steel piles, it is advisable to use accelerometers that of transducer so that they are symmetrically opposed and
are linear to at least 2000 g and 2000 Hz. For piezoelectric equidistant from the pile centroid in a plane perpendicular to
accelerometers using an AC coupled signal path, the resonant the pile axis. Verify the final position, firm connection, and
frequency shall be above 30 000 Hz when rigidly mounted, or alignment of all transducers, both external and embedded.
above 10 000 Hz if the mounting is damped, and the time Section 6.9 describes an important proportionality check re-
constant shall be at least 1.0 s to preserve the low frequency quired for both external and embedded transducers that helps
signal content. If piezoresistive accelerometers are used, then verify measurement accuracy.
they should have a resonant frequency of at least 2500 Hz and 5.3 Signal Transmission—The signals from the transducers
a damped mounting. Alternatively, velocity or displacement shall be transmitted to the apparatus for recording, processing,
transducers may be used to obtain velocity data, provided they and displaying the data (see 5.4) by means of a cable or
are equivalent in performance to the specified accelerometers. wireless equivalent. An intermediate apparatus may be used for
5.2.6 Combined Transducers—Force and velocity instru- initial signal processing prior to transmission of the signal data
mentation may use individual transducers connected separately to the apparatus for recording, processing, and displaying the

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 D4945 – 08
the minimal processing required to obtain the force and
velocity. Transducer data recorded after minimal processing
shall also record the information required to recover the raw
data signals for later reprocessing as needed, for example,
calibrations, wave speed, mass density, pile area, etc. When
determining velocity by analog integration of acceleration, or
analog differentiation of displacement, use a minimum sample
frequency for each data channel of 5000 Hz for concrete piles
and 10 000 Hz for timber or steel piles. When determining
velocity by digital integration of acceleration, or digital differ-
entiation of displacement, use a minimum sample frequency
for each data channel of 10 000 Hz for concrete piles and 40
000 Hz for timber or steel piles. Both analog and digital
processing shall include signal conditioning that retains the
frequency content appropriate to the sampling rate of the
interpreted velocity signal. The minimum total time sampled
for each impact event shall be the greater of 100 milliseconds
or 3L/c (where L is the pile length and c is the pile material
wave speed) with most of this time following the moment of
impact as shown in Fig. 1.
5.4.3 Processing Data—As a minimum, the apparatus for
processing signals from the transducers shall provide the
following functions:
5.4.3.1 Force Measurements—The apparatus shall provide
signal conditioning for the force measurement system. If strain
transducers are used (see 5.2.4), the apparatus shall compute
the net axial force on the cross-section of the pile. The force
output shall be balanced to a reference level (for example,
zero) prior to the impact event.
5.4.3.2 Velocity Data—If accelerometers are used (see
5.2.5), the apparatus shall integrate the acceleration over time
NOTE—Shown as separate transducers.
to obtain velocity. If displacement transducers are used, the
FIG. 7 Typical Arrangement for Attaching Transducers to H-Piles
apparatus shall differentiate the displacement over time to
obtain velocity. If required, the apparatus shall zero the
data if the processing functions it provides meet the require- velocity between impact events and shall adjust the velocity
ments of 5.4. Cables shall be shielded to limit electronic and record to account for transducer zero drift during the impact
other transmission interference. If wireless transmission is event.
used, the signals arriving at the apparatus shall accurately 5.4.3.3 Signal Conditioning—The signal conditioning for
represent the continuity and magnitude of the transducer force and velocity shall have equal frequency response curves
measurements over the frequency range of the dynamic mea- to avoid relative phase shifts and relative amplitude differences
surement apparatus. and retain all frequency components in the data below at least
5.4 Recording, Processing, and Displaying Data: 2000 Hz.
5.4.1 General—The signals from the transducers (see 5.2) 5.4.4 Display of Data—For each impact event, the raw or
shall be transmitted during the impact event to an apparatus for processed signals from the transducers specified in 5.2 shall be
recording, processing, and displaying the data. The apparatus displayed during data acquisition or replay as a function of
shall include a visual graphics display of the force and velocity time, such as on a digital graphics display.
versus time, non-volatile memory for retaining data for future 5.4.5 Field Supervision—A qualified engineer shall directly
analysis, and a computational means to provide results consis- supervise all field testing and assess data quality and reliability
tent with Engineer’s field testing objectives, for example, for later detailed evaluation (see 6.9). Alternatively, field
maximum stresses, maximum displacement, energy transferred personnel may transmit the data concurrently as acquired to a
to the pile, etc. The apparatus for recording, processing, and qualified engineer supervising the testing from a remote
displaying data shall include compensation for temperature location.
effects and provide a self-calibration check of the apparatus for
recording, processing and displaying. No error shall exceed 6. Procedure
2 % of the maximum signal expected. Fig. 3 shows a typical 6.1 General—Allow sufficient time for driven and cast-in-
schematic arrangement for this apparatus. place deep foundations constructed of concrete to gain ad-
5.4.2 Recording Data—The raw data from the transducers equate structural strength prior to testing. Record applicable
shall be recorded on site, electronically in digital form, with a project information (Section 7). Attach the transducers (Section
minimum of 12 bit ADC resolution and including at most only 5) to the deep foundation, perform any calibration checks

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 D4945 – 08
recommended by the equipment manufacturer, and take the 6.4 Determination of Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity of
dynamic measurements for the impacts during the interval to Deep Foundations—The dynamic modulus of elasticity (E) for
be monitored together with routine observations of number of concrete, wood, steel, or composite piles can be computed as
blows per unit penetration (“blow count”) or set per blow. the product of the square of the wave speed (determined as
Determine the pile response to the high-strain dynamic test indicated in 6.2) times the mass density (E = rc2). The dynamic
from a minimum of ten impact records during initial driving modulus of elasticity may be assumed as 207 3 106 kPa for
and, when used for soil resistance computations, normally from structural steel. Assumed and computed values of the dynamic
one or two representative blows at the beginning of a restrike. modulus of elasticity should be verified directly if possible, or
indirectly through their effect on impedance and proportional-
NOTE 4—Warning: Never approach a deep foundation being tested ity (see 6.9).
while the hammer or large drop weight is operating as materials or
appurtenances may break free and jeopardize the safety of persons in the NOTE 5—Alternatively, the static modulus of elasticity for concrete
vicinity. Preferably the contractor crew will attach the transducers to the piles and wood piles may be determined from measurements made during
pile. a compression test performed in accordance with Test Methods C469 or
D198 respectively. The Engineer should then estimate the dynamic
6.2 Determination of Wave Speed for Deep Foundations— modulus (typically assumed 10 % greater) from this measurement.
The wave speed of concrete or wood piles should preferably be
determined from an early impact event if a tensile reflection 6.5 Preparation—Mark the pile clearly at appropriate unit
from the pile toe is clearly identified. Divide two times the intervals to prepare for recording blow counts. Attach the
length of pile below transducers by the observed time between transducers as described in Section 5. Determine the pile wave
start of the impact (for example, initial sharp rise of the signal) speed (see 6.2) and density (see 6.3). For concrete piles or
and the start of the tensile reflection (for example, later relative concrete filled pipe piles, place a pile cushion made of plywood
velocity increase) to obtain the wave speed. For piles with or other material with similar stiffness on top of the pile. For
instrumentation at both the head and near the toe, the wave concrete filled pipe piles, the concrete must completely fill the
speed can be calculated from dividing the distance between pile top so that the impact is transferred through the pile
these locations by the time between impact arrivals at these cushion to the concrete. Position the impact device on the pile
locations. Alternatively, place the pile on supports or level head to apply the impact force concentric with the long axis of
ground free and clear from neighboring piles and obstructions. the pile. Prepare the apparatus for recording, processing, and
Then attach an accelerometer to the pile and strike the end of displaying data to receive the dynamic measurements and
the pile with a sledge hammer of suitable weight. Take care not balance the strain (or force) and acceleration signals to their
to damage or dent the pile. Record (see 5.4.2) and display (see respective reference levels (for example, zero).
5.4.4) the accelerometer signal. Measure the total time between 6.6 Recording Hammer Information—Record the mass of
acceleration peaks for at least three cycles of reflection or 6L/c the hammer ram or drop weight. For drop hammers and single
(where L is the pile length and c is the pile material wave acting diesel and air/steam/hydraulic hammers, record the drop
speed). Divide the product of the number of cycles and twice height of the ram or the ram travel length. For double acting
the total pile length by this total time to determine the wave diesel hammers, measure the bounce pressure, and for double
speed. The wave speed of structural steel piles can be assumed acting steam or compressed air hammers, measure the steam or
as 5123 m/s. Assumed wave speed values, and those deter- air pressure in the pressure line to the hammer. For hydraulic
mined during a low strain event, should be verified directly or hammers or any of the previously listed hammer types, record
indirectly if possible. The overall wave speed observed during the kinetic energy from the hammer readout when available.
a high-strain event as described above may differ (typically Record the number of impact blows per minute delivered by
slower) from the local wave speed used to compute impedance the hammer.
because of variability in pile properties, degradation of pile 6.7 Taking Measurements—Take, record, and display force
material during repeated hammer blows, or splices in the pile and velocity measurements for each impact event. Compare the
length. force and the product of velocity and impedance at the moment
6.3 Determination of Mass Density of Deep Foundations— of impact (see 6.9). Obtain the net permanent displacement per
The density of each wood pile shall be determined from the impact from the pile driving blow count record, or from marks
total weight of the pile, or a sample of the pile, the correspond- placed on the pile prior to and after the test using the same
ing volume, and the gravitational constant. The density of reference, directly from the displacement transducers (if used),
concrete or grout can be measured in a similar manner. or by integration of the velocity versus time record (typically
Alternately, the density of concrete piles is often assumed to be less reliable). Obtain the maximum energy transferred to the
2450 kg/m3 and the density of grout used for auger-cast or location of the transducers from the integral over time of force
similar types of piles is often assumed to be 2150 kg/m3. The multiplied by velocity.
mass density of structural steel piles can be assumed as 7850 6.8 Time of Testing—Dynamic tests performed during the
kg/m3. The mass density of composite deep foundations, such initial installation of a driven pile typically monitor the
as concrete filled steel pipes, can be computed from a weighted performance of the impact device, the driving stresses in the
average of the areas of the materials at each differing cross- pile, the pile integrity, and relative changes in capacity. If the
section. Assumed and computed values of mass density should test results are used for static capacity computations, then
be verified directly if possible, or indirectly through their effect dynamic measurements should (also) be performed during
on impedance and proportionality (see 6.9). restrikes of the deep foundation, after waiting a period of time

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 D4945 – 08
following the initial installation sufficient to allow pore water below the impact location). The pile top should be flat and
pressure and soil strength changes to occur. (See Note 1.) square to the longitudinal pile axis, and should be protected
6.9 Data Quality Checks—Confirm the accuracy of dy- with plywood cushions, or other cushion material of uniform
namic measurements obtained near the pile head by periodi- thickness. A thick steel plate may also be placed on top of the
cally checking that the average of the measured force signals plywood to distribute the impact. Preferably apply a series of
and the product of the impedance and the average of the single impact blows using a drop mass having a weight of at
measured velocity signals agree proportionally at the moment least 1 to 2 % of the desired ultimate test capacity, beginning
of impact. Do not expect proportionality when reflections with a low drop height to check transducer function and pile
occur from pile impedance changes nearby and below the stresses and then progressing to greater drop heights to
transducers or from soil resistance, such as for transducers near mobilize additional pile capacity. For externally mounted
the pile bottom or, depending on the rise time to the initial transducers, carefully select transducer locations having sound
force peak, transducers located between the pile head and the concrete, and grind or sand the pile as necessary to obtain a
bottom. Reject non proportional data. Two velocity signals smooth, flat, clean surface on which to mount the transducers
should generally agree well at a particular measurement parallel to the pile axis. Because cast-in-place piles may have
location, even though the two force signals may indicate non uniform material properties and a variable, irregular
significant bending. Two embedded strain measurements made cross-section, when using externally mounted transducers con-
in close proximity to the pile axis at the same location, or at sider placing four strain transducers equally spaced around the
adjacent locations on the pile axis, can provide a consistency perimeter and as described in 5.2.7. The average force deter-
check of each other. For piles with a high percentage of end mined from each diametrically opposed pair of transducers can
bearing, analysis of measurements made near the pile head then be compared together, and with the average velocity as in
may provide confirmation of measurements near the pile 6.9, to assess the data quality of all force measurements.
bottom. For an impact device delivering relatively similar NOTE 7—The strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity for cast-in-
impacts, the force and velocity versus time over a series of place deep foundations depends on the quality and the age of concrete, and
consecutive impact events should be relatively consistent. can vary considerably over the cross-section and along the length of the
Consistent and proportional signals of (average) force versus deep foundation. The dynamic modulus of elasticity as calculated from the
(average) velocity times pile impedance are the result of the wave speed (see 3.2) will therefore be an average value which may differ
transducer systems performing properly and the apparatus for from the modulus at the transducer location. If the cast-in-place deep
foundation is encased in a steel shell, then use a composite mass density
recording, processing, and displaying data being properly
and composite dynamic modulus of elasticity.
calibrated. If the signals are not consistent, or are not in
proportionality agreement, investigate the cause and correct as 7. Report
necessary. If the cause is loose or misaligned instrumentation,
7.1 The report of the load test shall include any information
then correct the problem prior to continuing the test. If the
required by the Engineer plus the following information when
cause is determined to be a transducer malfunction, it must be
applicable and as available.
repaired or recalibrated, or both, before further use. If the cause
7.2 General:
cannot be determined and rectified, then the test is to be
rejected. Perform self-calibration checks of the apparatus used 7.2.1 Project identification and location, and
for recording, processing, and displaying data periodically 7.2.2 Log(s) of nearby or typical test boring(s).
during testing as recommended by the manufacturer, and 7.3 Deep Foundation Installation Equipment:
recalibrate before further use if found to be out of manufac- 7.3.1 For driven piles: description of driving methods and
turer’s tolerance. installation equipment used for driving piles, testing piles, or
both as appropriate, for example, make, model, and type of
NOTE 6—It is generally recommended that all components of the hammer, size (ram weight and stroke), manufacturer’s energy
apparatus for obtaining dynamic measurements and the apparatus for rating, capabilities, operating performance levels or pressures,
recording, processing and displaying data be calibrated at least once every fuel settings, hammer cushion and pile cushion descriptions
two years to the standards of the manufacturer.
with cushion exchange details, and description of lead type and
6.10 Followers and Mandrels—If a follower is used for any special installation equipment such as a follower, mandrel,
installing and testing cast-in-place concrete deep foundations, punch, pre-drill or jet.
this follower should have an impedance between 80 and 150 % 7.3.2 For cast-in-place concrete piles: description of con-
of that of the deep foundation. However, additional caution and struction methods, drilling or augering equipment, and con-
analysis may be required if the impedance is not within 10 % crete or grout placement, for example, type of drill rig, type
of that of the deep foundation. For mandrel-driven piles, the and dimensions of drill tool(s), auger(s), and cleanout tool(s),
mandrel may be instrumented in a similar way to a driven pile tremie, concrete or grout pump, and casings.
provided that the mandrel is constructed of a single member 7.4 Test Pile(s):
with no joints. 7.4.1 Identification (name and designation) of test pile(s),
6.11 Testing Cast-in-Place Deep Foundations—For testing 7.4.2 Required ultimate axial static compressive capacity,
cast-in-place piles it is often advantageous to build up the top 7.4.3 Type and dimensions of deep foundation(s) including
of the pile to encase protruding reinforcement, to strengthen it nominal or actual cross-sectional area, or both, length, wall
for the impact using a steel shell, or to eliminate excessive thickness of pipe or casing, and diameter (as a function length
excavation (sensors must be mounted at least 1.5 diameters for tapered or composite deep foundations),

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 D4945 – 08
7.4.4 For driven or cast-in-place concrete piles: date(s) test 7.6.5 Graphical presentation of velocity and force measure-
pile constructed or cast, design and measured concrete cylinder ments in the time domain for representative blows,
strengths and date of test(s), density, effective prestress, and 7.6.6 Analysis method(s) used to interpret or evaluate test
description of internal and external reinforcement (type, grade, measurements,
size, length, number and arrangement of prestress wire, longi- 7.6.7 Interpretation of the test measurements, including
tudinal bars, lateral ties, and spiral stiffeners; casing or shell measurements down the pile if applicable, to estimate as
size and length), appropriate the overall magnitude of the dynamic and static
7.4.5 For steel piles: steel designation, grade, minimum axial compressive capacity mobilized at the time of testing, the
yield strength, and type of pile (for example, seamless or spiral distribution of the dynamic and static axial compressive
weld pipe, H section designation), capacity along the pile length, and the engineering properties
7.4.6 For timber piles: length, straightness, preservative of the pile and the soil or rock adjacent to the pile as used in
treatment, tip and butt dimensions (and area as a function of the interpretation,
length), and measured density for each pile, 7.6.8 Comments on the performance of the impact device as
7.4.7 Description and location of splices, special pile tip measured by the energy transferred into the deep foundation
protection, and any special coatings applied if applicable, with comparison to manufacturer’s rating or ram weight and
7.4.8 Inclination angle from vertical, design and installed, drop height,
and 7.6.9 Comments on the driving stresses within the deep
7.4.9 Observations of deep foundations including spalled foundation, and whether measured or estimated through analy-
areas, cracks, head surface of deep foundations. sis,
7.5 Deep Foundation Installation: 7.6.10 Comments on the integrity of the deep foundation,
7.5.1 For cast-in-place piles, include the volume of concrete and
or grout placed in deep foundation (volume versus depth, if 7.6.11 Numerical summary of measured and interpreted
available), and a description of installation procedures used, results, with statistical analysis as appropriate.
such as casing installation or extraction,
7.5.2 For driven piles, include date of installation, driving 8. Precision and Bias
records with blow count, and hammer stroke or operating level 8.1 Precision—Test data on precision is not presented due
for final unit penetration, to the nature of this test method. It is either not feasible or too
7.5.3 Elevations of the pile top, pile bottom, and ground costly at this time to have ten or more agencies participate in
surface referenced to a datum, and an in situ testing program at a given site. The inherent
7.5.4 Cause and duration of installation interruptions and variability of the soil, or rock, or both surrounding the pile, the
notation of any unusual occurrences. pile driving apparatus, and the pile itself adversely affect the
7.6 Dynamic Testing: determination of precision.
7.6.1 Description of the dynamic test apparatus, including 8.1.1 The Subcommittee D18.11 is seeking any data from
make, model, analog or digital velocity integration, sampling the users of this test method that might be used to make a
rate, transducers, measurement location(s), etc., limited statement on precision.
7.6.2 Date of test(s), sequence of testing (for example, “end 8.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
of driving” or “beginning of restrike”), and elapsed time since method, therefore bias cannot be determined.
end of initial driving for restrikes,
7.6.3 Density, wave speed, and dynamic modulus of elas- 9. Keywords
ticity of the test deep foundation, 9.1 augered piles; deep foundations; drilled shafts; driven
7.6.4 Penetration resistance (blows per unit penetration, or piles; driving stresses; dynamic testing; pile bearing capacity;
set per blow) and embedment depth, pile driving hammer performance; pile integrity

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D18.11 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D4945 – 00) that may impact the use of this standard (approved Oct. 1, 2008).

(1) Change title and text to include deep foundations that (6) Improve and clarify “Significance and Use.”
function similar to driven piles, specifically cast-in-place piles. (7) Addition of embedded and combined transducers.
(2) Inclusion of current D18 caveats, D6026, and D3740. (8) More specific and updated requirements for transducers
(3) Require supervision by a qualified engineer during test and for processing, recording, displaying data.
planning and field work. (9) More complete Procedure, including determination of
(4) Refer approval of testing variations to the “Engineer” in wave speed, density, and modulus, an improved description of
responsible charge of the foundation design. data quality checks, and consideration of the time of testing
(5) Added definitions in Terminology, especially “wave effects.
speed” and “particle velocity.” (10) Updated and condensed reporting requirements.

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 D4945 – 08
(11) Updated figures to show more generic test equipment.

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