ASTM D3966-90(1995)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Piles Under Lateral Loads (Withdrawn 2005)
Standard Test Method for Piles Under Lateral Loads (Withdrawn 2005)
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing vertical and batter piles either individually or in groups to determine the load-defection relationship when subjected to lateral loading. It is applicable to all deep foundation units regardless of their size or method of installation. This test method is divided into the following sections: Section Referenced Documents 2 Significance and Use 3 Apparatus for Applying Loads 4 Apparatus for Measuring Movements 5 Loading Procedures 6 Procedures for Measuring Movements 7 Safety Requirements 8 Report 9 Precision and Bias 10
1.2 This test method only describes procedures for testing single piles or pile groups. It does not cover the interpretation or analysis of the test results or the application of the test results to foundation design or the use of empirical or analytic procedures for determining the magnitude and variation of the coefficient of horizontal subgrade reaction, bending stresses, and bending movements over the length of the pile. The term "failure" as used in this test method indicates a rapid progressive lateral movement of the pile or pile group under a constant or decreasing load.
1.3 Apparatus and procedures designated "optional" are to be required only when included in the project specifications and, if not specified, may be used only with the approval of the engineer responsible for the foundation design. The word "shall" indicates a mandatory provision and "should" indicates a recommended or advisory provision. Imperative sentences indicate mandatory provisions. Notes and illustrations included herein are explanatory or advisory.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety precautions, see Section 8.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This test method covers procedures for testing vertical and batter piles either individually or in groups to determine the load-defection relationship when subjected to lateral loading.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, this test method was discontinued in December 2003.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D 3966 – 90 (Reapproved 1995)
Standard Test Method for
Piles Under Lateral Loads
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3966; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety
1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing vertical
precautions, see Section 8.
and batter piles either individually or in groups to determine
the load-defection relationship when subjected to lateral load-
2. Referenced Documents
ing. It is applicable to all deep foundation units regardless of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
their size or method of installation. This test method is divided
A 36/A 36M Specification for Structural Steel
into the following sections:
A 240 Specification for Heat-Resisting Chromium and
Section
Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
Referenced Documents 2
for Pressure Vessels
Significance and Use 3
Apparatus for Applying Loads 4
A 441/A 441M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy
Apparatus for Measuring Movements 5
Structural Manganese Vanadium Steel
Loading Procedures 6
Procedures for Measuring Movements 7 A 572/A 572M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy
Safety Requirements 8 2
Columbium-Vanadium Steels of Structural Quality
Report 9
D 1143 Test Method for Piles Under StaticAxial Compres-
Precision and Bias 10
sive Load
1.2 This test method only describes procedures for testing
D 3689 Test Method for Individual Piles Under StaticAxial
single piles or pile groups. It does not cover the interpretation 3
Tensile Load
or analysis of the test results or the application of the test
2.2 ANSI Standards:
results to foundation design or the use of empirical or analytic
B30.1 Safety Code for Jacks
procedures for determining the magnitude and variation of the
B46.1 Surface Texture
coefficient of horizontal subgrade reaction, bending stresses,
and bending movements over the length of the pile. The term
3. Significance and Use
“failure” as used in this test method indicates a rapid progres-
3.1 The actual lateral load capacity of the pile-soil system
sivelateralmovementofthepileorpilegroupunderaconstant
can best be determined by lateral testing. Such testing mea-
or decreasing load.
sures the response of the pile-soil system to lateral loads and
1.3 Apparatus and procedures designated “optional” are to
may provide data for research and development, engineering
be required only when included in the project specifications
design, quality control, and acceptance or rejection under
and, if not specified, may be used only with the approval of the
specifications.
engineer responsible for the foundation design. The word
3.2 Under the iterative elastic method of analysis that
“shall” indicates a mandatory provision and “should” indicates 5
considers the nonlinear response of the soil, lateral testing
a recommended or advisory provision. Imperative sentences
combined with proper instrumentation can be used to deter-
indicatemandatoryprovisions.Notesandillustrationsincluded
mine soil properties necessary for the structural design of the
herein are explanatory or advisory.
pile to resist the lateral load to be applied.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.3 Lateral testing as covered herein, when combined with
as the standard.
an acceptance criterion, is suitable for control of pile founda-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tion design and installation under building codes, standards,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and other regulatory statutes.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.04.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.11 on Deep Available from the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway,
Foundations. New York, NY 10018.
Current edition approved May 25, 1990. Published July 1990. Originally Reece, L. C., “Design and Evaluation of Load Tests on Deep Foundations,”
published as D 3966 – 81. Last previous edition D 3966 – 81. Behavior of Deep Foundations, ASTM STP 670, Am. Soc. Testing Mats., 1979.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 3966
4. Apparatus for Applying Loads than one half the diameter or side dimension of the test pile(s)
nor greater than the diameter or side dimension of the test
4.1 General:
pile(s). For tests on single piles other than square piles, the
4.1.1 The apparatus for applying lateral loads to the test
headofthepileshallbecappedsoastoprovideaplanevertical
pile(s) shall be as described in 4.3 or 4.4, unless otherwise
bearing surface for the test plate, or the test plate shall be set in
specified, and shall be constructed so that the resultant loads
high-strength grout or adequately welded to the side of the pile
are applied horizontally and in line with the central vertical
using suitable filler material to provide full bearing against the
axis of the pile or pile group so as to minimize eccentric
projected area of the pile. If the test plate(s) is supported
loading and avoid a vertical load component.
independently of the test pile or group during assembly of the
NOTE 1—For lateral tests on batter pile frames or pile groups involving
testing apparatus, such temporary supports shall be removed
batterpiles,considerationshouldbegiventoapplyingthelateraltestloads
when test loads are applied.
at the actual or theoretical point of intersection of the longitudinal axis of
4.1.5 Bearing Plates, shall be of steel and of sufficient size
the piles in the frame or group.
to accommodate spherical bearings, load cells, hydraulic jacks,
4.1.2 The test area within a radius of 20 ft (6 m) from the
and struts, and to transmit the applied lateral loads without
test pile or group shall be excavated or filled to the final grade
detrimental high unit pressures. Bearing plates shall be of
elevation before testing the pile or pile group. If necessary, the
adequate thickness to prevent bending under the applied load
pile(s) shall be cut off or extended so that the pile butt(s) is
but shall not be less than 2 in. (50 mm) thick.
sufficiently above adjacent ground surface to permit construc-
4.1.6 Struts and Blocking—Struts shall be of steel and of
tion of the load application apparatus, placement of the
sufficient size and stiffness to transmit the applied test loads
necessary testing and instrumentation equipment, and observa-
without bending or buckling. Blocking used between reaction
tion of the instrumentation. Before applying the test load, any
piles or between the hydraulic cylinder and the reaction system
annular space around the upper portion of the test pile(s)
shall be of sufficient size and strength to prevent crushing or
should be filled with sand or other suitable material and the
other distortion under the applied test loads.
same material and backfilling methods should be used for all
4.2 Testing Equipment:
production piles. Lateral test loads shall be applied at approxi-
4.2.1 Unlessthetestloadisappliedbypullinginaccordance
mately pile cut-off elevation.
with 4.5, lateral loads shall be applied using one or more
4.1.3 For tests on pile groups, except batter pile frames, the
hydraulic cylinders equipped with spherical bearings. If two or
group of piles shall be capped with a reinforced concrete cap
more hydraulic cylinders are to be used to apply the test load,
designed and constructed in accordance with accepted engi-
they shall be of the same piston diameter, connected to a
neering practice to distribute the test loads uniformly to the
common manifold and pressure gage, and operated by a single
piles in the group or shall be interconnected with steel
hydraulic pump.
members designed and constructed so that the piles act
together. The connection between piles and pile caps and the
4.2.2 Hydraulic jacks including their operation shall con-
depth of embedment of the pile butts into the pile cap shall
form to the applicable provisions of ANSI B30.1.
simulate in-service conditions. Pile caps shall be cast above
4.2.3 Unless a calibrated load cell(s) or equivalent device(s)
grade unless otherwise specified and may be formed on the
is used, the complete jacking system including the hydraulic
ground surface unless 4.1.3.1 is specified.
cylinder(s), valves, hydraulic pump, and pressure gage shall be
4.1.3.1 Elimination of Friction Beneath Pile Cap
calibrated as a unit to an accuracy of not less than 5 % of the
(Optional)—For tests on pile groups, the bottom of the pile cap
applied load.
shall be clear of the ground surface.
4.2.4 When an accuracy greater than that obtainable with
the jacking system is required, a properly constructed load
NOTE 2—It is recommended that the bottom of the pile cap be clear of
the ground surface when the friction between the soil and the pile cap may cell(s) or equivalent device(s) shall be used in series with the
contribute significantly to the lateral resistance of the pile group.
hydraulic cylinder(s). Load cells or equivalent devices shall be
calibrated to an accuracy of not less than 2 % of the applied
4.1.3.2 Passive Soil Pressures Against Pile Cap
load and shall be equipped with spherical bearings.
(Optional)—For tests on pile groups, the pile cap shall be
4.2.5 If the lateral load is applied by pulling 4.5.4) the
constructed below ground surface and backfilled with com-
equipmentusedtoproducethepullingforceshallbecapableof
pacted fill on the side opposite the point of load application or
applying steady constant forces over the required load testing
the pile cap shall be constructed above ground surface against
range. The dynamometer(s) or other in-line load indicating
an embankment sufficient to permit the passive soil pressures
device(s) shall be calibrated to an accuracy of not less than
toactduringthetest.Ifspecified,compactedfillshallbeplaced
10 % of the applied load.
against the sides of the pile cap to the extent practicable.
4.1.4 A steel test plate(s) of sufficient stiffness to prevent it 4.2.6 Calibration of testing equipment shall be done before
from bending under the involved loads, but not less than 2 in. each test or series of tests in a test program. Hydraulic
(50 mm) thick, shall be set vertically against the side of the cylinders shall be calibrated by loading the test equipment with
pile, pile cap, or steel frame at the point(s) of load application the hydraulic cylinders over their complete range of piston
and perpendicular to the line(s) of load application. The test travel for increasing and decreasing applied loads. Double-
plate shall be of sufficient size to accommodate the hydraulic acting hydraulic cylinders shall be calibrated in both the push
cylinders but shall have a horizontal side dimension not less and pull modes. Calibration reports shall be furnished for all
D 3966
testing equipment for which calibration is required and shall system with steel bearing plates in accordance with 4.1.5
show the temperature at which the calibration was done. between the strut(s) or blocking and the cylinder(s) and
4.3 Load Applied by Hydraulic Jack(s) Acting Against a between the strut(s) and the reaction system. If a steel strut(s)
Reaction System (Fig. 1): is used, place it horizontally and on the line(s) of load
4.3.1 General—Applythetestloadstothepileorpilegroup application and brace the strut(s) to ensure it does not shift
using one or more hydraulic cylinders and a suitable reaction during load application. If two hydraulic cylinders are used,
system according to 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, or 4.3.5. The reaction place both cylinders, load cells (if used), and struts or blocking
system may be any convenient distance from the test pile or atthesamelevelandequidistantfromalineparalleltothelines
pile group and shall provide a resistance greater than the of load application and passing through the center of the test
anticipated maximum lateral test load. Set the hydraulic group. Support the jack(s), bearing plate(s), strut(s), and
cylinder(s) (with load cell(s) if used) against the test plate(s) at blocking on cribbing if necessary for stability.
the point(s) of load application in a horizontal position and on 4.3.2 Reaction Piles (Fig. 1a)—Install two or more reaction
the line(s) of load application. Place a steel strut(s) or suitable piles vertically or on a batter (or a combination of vertical and
blockingbetweenthebase(s)ofthecylinder(s)andthereaction batter) so as to provide the necessary reactive capacity for the
FIG. 1 Typical Set Ups for Applying Lateral Load with Conventional Hydraulic Jack
D 3966
maximum anticipated lateral test loads. Cap the reaction piles equidistant from a line parallel to the lines of load application
with reinforced concrete, steel, or timber, or brace between the and passing through the vertical central axis of the test pile or
piles, or fasten the pile butts together so as to develop the
group.
lateral resistance of the entire group.
4.5.2 Anchorage System—Maintain a clear distance of not
less than 20 ft (6 m) or 20 pile diameters between the test pile
NOTE 3—Unless two opposing batter reaction piles are installed, the
or group and the reaction or anchorage system complying with
batter piles should be battered in a direction away from the test pile or
group (see Fig. 1a). 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, or as otherwise specified. Furnish an
anchorage system sufficient to resist without significant move-
4.3.3 Deadman (Fig. 1b)—Where soil or site conditions are
ment the reaction to the maximum lateral load to be applied to
suitable, install a deadman consisting of cribbing, timber
the test pile or group.
panels, sheeting, or similar construction bearing against an
4.5.3 Pulling Load Applied By Hydraulic Jack Acting
embankment or the sides of an excavation so as to provide the
Against a Reaction System (Fig. 3)—Apply the lateral tensile
necessary reactive capacity to the maximum anticipated lateral
load to the test pile or pile group using any suitable hydraulic
test loads.
cylinder such as conventional type, push-pull type, or center-
4.3.4 WeightedPlatforms(Fig.1c)—Constructaplatformof
hole type. Center the conventi
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