Technical Manual

Inc.

p 201

APPENDIX 2G

GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Chapter 2

Helical Foundation Systems

shall further note depths and magnitudes of high torque/pressure spikes, apparent encounters

with obstructions, or any other difficulties in advancing the helical piles.

4. Test piles/anchors and reaction piles shall be installed as close to vertical and plumb as possible,

unless battered or angled elements will be tested. Maintain installation speed under 25 rpm

during installation of the test and reaction piles. Installation speed should be further reduced

to 10 rpm or less for the final three to five feet of installation or when there is a risk of abruptly

exceeding the torque rating of the helical shaft.

5. The test frame shall have an allowable structural capacity greater than the maximum test load.

The test frame reaction piles shall have a combined ultimate soil capacity at least two times the

anticipated maximum test load. The maximum test load shall be determined by multiplying the

design working load by the appropriate factor of safety. Ultimate soil capacities for reaction piles

are determined by multiplying the installation torque by the applicable default torque correlation.

6. The test frame shall be installed with the main beam centered over the test pile. The main beam

and the reaction beams shall be as close to horizontal (level) as possible and the reaction piles

shall be as close to vertical as possible.

7. Tests procedures should generally follow ASTM D1143 (Compression) and ASTM D3689 (Tension).

Criteria for evaluating the ultimate capacity of the pile is provided in AC358, Acceptance Criteria

for Helical Pile Systems and Devices, by the International Code Council Evaluation Service, Inc.

(ICC-ES). Alternative failure criteria may be proposed by the engineer of record. Such criteria

must be provided to FSI prior to installation of the test piles/anchors and reaction piles.

Load Test Communication and Responsibilities

1. A representative of the Engineer of Record or the Owner should be on site prior to initiation of the

load test and should remain through completion of the test cycles.

2. When an extended or long term test is required, procedures and data recording should be detailed

by the Engineer of Record.

3. The Engineer of Record, the Owner, or the Owner’s Representative shall have the opportunity to

physically read dial gauges and record measurements.

4. Engineer of record and FSI engineering shall be provided with a copy of the proposed test pile/

anchor installation procedures and load test procedures for review and comment prior to the start

of any site work.

FSI Travel and Expenses

1. FSI has a vested interest in the success of all FSI installing contractor load test operations and

offers field assistance when necessary to support its contractor network. FSI typically requires

the FSI installing contractor to pay travel costs and expenses for FSI representatives to travel to

the project site to provide support. In special cases, FSI may choose to assume some or all of the

travel costs and expenses for the FSI representative to be on site for the load test. In the event

that the FSI installing contractor fails to be prepared to a reasonable degree and this contributes

to extensive delays and extended or repeat trips, FSI reserves the right to pass unnecessary

costs on to the FSI installing contractor. Proper communication and organization should prevent

additional costs that are within control.