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© 2014 Foundation Supportworks
®
,
Inc.
All Rights Reserved
p 199
APPENDIX 2G
GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Chapter 2
Helical Foundation Systems
POLICY FOR AXIAL COMPRESSION OR AXIAL TENSION
LOAD TESTS ON HELICAL PILES AND ANCHORS
Foundation Supportworks
®
, Inc. (FSI) is equipped and staffed to provide the FSI contractor network
with the necessary equipment, support and assistance for completing axial compression and axial
tension field load tests on helical piles and anchors. Given FSI’s investment in time and resources to
provide this level of support, we ask that all parties communicate, understand and be in agreement
with the statements outlined in this document. This document is intended to set realistic expectations
of FSI’s involvement in such projects and to guide the FSI installing contractor, the general contractor,
the design team, and the owner through the load test process. The design team member in charge
of the load test is hereafter referred to as the “engineer of record”. Ultimately, FSI’s goal is to bring
all possible positive results to fruition in the various steps of the load test process, while maintaining
reasonable costs and minimizing frustrations. Contact an FSI representative should any questions
arise or special circumstances require consideration.
FSI Field Staff Responsibility
1. FSI field staff may act in an advisory capacity for the installation of test piles, test anchors and
reaction piles and also oversee setup of the load test frame and test equipment.
2. Upon request by the FSI installing contractor or engineer of record, FSI field staff will advise or
train personnel in recording load and deflection readings during the load test, or otherwise assist
in data collection.
3. FSI field staff does not interpret load test results nor do they offer opinions concerning pass/
fail criteria. The load test information must be forwarded to FSI engineering for evaluation if
interpretation has been requested.
4. FSI assumes no responsibility, economically or otherwise, should the load tests fail to achieve the
desired results.
5. FSI is not responsible for site safety issues and shall not be held liable for any breach in site safety
protocol. If FSI representatives feel site safety procedures are not followed or are inadequate, said
representatives have the authority to immediately terminate the field load test oversight services.
Qualifications for FSI Engineering Involvement with Field Load Tests
1. FSI engineering may provide a preliminary design recommendation and/or a document review
prior to the test pile/anchor installation. Project specifications, test loads, applicable failure
criteria, and adequate subsurface information must be provided in order to develop the preliminary
design recommendation.
2. FSI shall be provided an open line of communication with the project design team, including
owners, architects, engineers, and contractors during the preliminary design phase and
throughout the load test process.