Load Testing for Acceptance of Shafts with Questionable Integrity

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Ben White presents two Ohio bridge projects in which drilled-shaft integrity tests revealed apparent defects, particularly near the shaft toes. Thermal integrity profiling and pile integrity testing indicated poor or absent concrete hydration in several shafts. Rather than reject every shaft or core them all, the team used high-strain dynamic load tests to assess performance. One shaft failed to meet the required capacity and was supplemented with driven H-piles; the others met or exceeded the required loads and were accepted.<br /><br />White emphasizes that acceptance should consider all available information: contractor submittals and equipment, construction records, material tests, integrity-test results, shaft location and loading, durability requirements, and performance testing. An integrity-test indication of a flaw does not automatically require rejection; its significance depends on the shaft’s intended demands. However, load testing may not justify acceptance where lateral, bending, seismic, or higher-capacity demands apply.

Keywords

drilled-shaft integrity tests

Ohio bridge projects

thermal integrity profiling

high-strain dynamic load tests

concrete hydration defects