The static load test is a test in which a program-controlled force is applied to a foundation pile.
With this test, a force is applied to the pile, and at the same time the ground pile shiftment is measured. The load is applied in a controlled manner, typically in several stages up to 150–200% of the design safe load. This method is very accurate and is often used to determine the maximum load capacity and the residual settlement of the pile. The force is generated by means of hydraulic cylinders and applied with a reaction frame made of steel beams and several reaction piles. The collected data are analyzed to establish the pile’s load-deflection relationship and determine its ultimate capacity and performance.
In a pile testing system, there are several hydraulic components. Hydraulic cylinders are the core components that apply the force. Europress offers various series, such as the double-acting, high-capacity COS cylinders for large axial loads. Self-leveling heads (ZTT series) are available. Hydraulic pumps are used to pressurize the hydraulic cylinders. Europress offers a wide range of pumps, like manual pumps, electric pumps, or units powered by internal combustion engines.
Connection hoses & couplings: SN-series flexible hoses with K-series quick-release couplings connect the pump to the cylinders. In addition, pressure gauges or load cells are essential for measuring the applied load and monitoring the test progress; they can be analog or digital and are calibrated for accuracy. Finally, displacement gauges measure the deflection that occurs during the test.
In the photos you can see the static load test carried out on the BAB A7 “Mainbrücke Marktbreit” highway bridge (maximum load: 36,000 kN). The hydraulic system consists of one or more Europress double-acting hydraulic cylinders, COS series, with 800-ton capacity and electronically controlled constant pressure up to 700 bar. The applied force is measured by calibrated load cells positioned beneath the cylinders.