From Data to Action: Using Testing to Address MWD-Identified Deviations in Rigid Inclusion Installation-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation examines how Measure While Drilling (MWD) data can identify deviations during rigid inclusion (RI) installation and support quality assurance. MWD reports capture installation time and duration, penetration depth and rate, drilling energy and force, grout pressure, withdrawal rate, and grout volume. Interpreting these data requires site-specific calibration, including sacrificial installations to verify soil conditions and calibrate drilling, grouting, and grout cut-off procedures.<br /><br />A sound quality program should match testing to project risks, define load procedures and acceptance criteria, and include suitable checks of element geometry and integrity. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, project faced a large design load, strict settlement limits, uncontrolled fill, soft clay, and obstructions. Potential installation issues included grout loss into voids, bulging or necking, early refusal, and the need to relocate elements. Predrilling and a data acquisition system helped relate drilling parameters to soil conditions and element capacity.<br /><br />The project’s six tests included three single-element load tests, two ASIRI Quality Tests, and one Thermal Integrity Profile test. These tests assessed capacity and load-deflection behavior, performance at the design load, and element diameter.<br /><br />The presentation concludes that teams should establish expectations for acceptable installation behavior and use MWD data proactively. A deviation from acceptance criteria does not automatically mean an element will perform unacceptably; supplemental testing can provide a more accurate assessment and help avoid unnecessary rework.

Keywords

Measure While Drilling

MWD data

rigid inclusion

installation deviation

quality assurance

site-specific calibration

grout pressure

load testing

Thermal Integrity Profile

Bethlehem Pennsylvania