<p><p><strong>References:<br></strong><em>Bruce and Juran (1997)<br>Cadden et al. (2004)<br>Gomez et al. (2004)<br>Sabatini et al. (2005)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Pile Driver Analyzer (PDA) testing is typically reserved for driven piles. However, methods exist which allow PDA testing to be used to test micropile capacity. PDA testing is a time efficient method that has been shown to provide similar results as static load tests. Because static load tests require more time and resources, it may be more economically desirable to use PDA tests for projects requiring a significant number of static load tests. Using PDA tests, valuable information can be gathered quickly to modify the design if necessary. However, PDA testing on micropiles has limitations. Because micropiles are not driven, a pile hammer is necessary to perform PDA testing, and damage sustained by the micropile is a concern. For this reason, there is a maximum capacity to which the micropile can be loaded to during PDA testing. The maximum testing capacity and any additional precautions that must be taken are a function of the design of the micropile. Another disadvantage of PDA testing is that creep, tension, and lateral loading tests cannot be performed.</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>PDA testing is not used on a regular basis to test micropiles. As a result, sufficient field experience using PDA on micropiles does not exist. General procedures and recommendations for PDA testing on micropiles are not yet developed.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>PDA testing provides a reasonable assessment of the capacity of the installed micropile. PDA testing is rapid and inexpensive compared to full-scale static load testing and therefore provides a means to approximate the static capacity of a relatively large number of production piles at a relatively low cost (Sabatini et al. 2005).</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements</strong></p><p>PDA testing requires specialized equipment and experienced testing professionals to conduct the test and analyze the results. Interpreting results of micropiles with varying cross sections is very difficult.</p><p><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>PDA tests are performed as part of verifying adequate construction procedures throughout the project. The results of a PDA test can be used to determine the strength capacity of the micropile as a quality control measure. These results are then used to determine the ability of the micropiles to sustain a service load. The shortfalls and special considerations mentioned above make PDA testing on micropiles difficult. As such, PDA tests are rarely performed on micropiles in common practice.</p></p>