<p><p><strong>References:<br></strong><em>Cadden et al. (2004)<br>Sabatini et al. (2005)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Statnamic testing can be used to evaluate the capacity of micropiles. Static load tests require more time and resources than Statnamic tests. For this reason, it may be more economically desirable to incorporate Statnamic testing in place of some static load tests in a full‑scale load test program. Because of the ability to test a significant number of micropiles in a short period of time, valuable information can be quickly gathered to modify the design if necessary. Sabatini et al. (2005) describes the Statnamic test as follows:</p><p>“The Statnamic test method uses solid fuel burned within a pressure chamber to rapidly accelerate upward the reaction mass positioned on the pile head. As the gas chamber increases, an upward force is exerted on the reaction mass, while an equal and opposite force pushes downward on the pile.”</p><p>Statnamic testing can be conducted as lateral or compressive loads and can be performed on battered and vertical micropiles. “The magnitude and duration of the applied load and the loading rate are controlled by the selection of piston and cylinder size, the fuel mass, fuel type, the reaction mass, and the gas venting technique” (Sabatini et al. 2005). Several projects have been completed where Statnamic testing was conducted (Sabatini et al. 2005). Cadden et al. (2004) states that a reasonable estimation of soil strength parameters were obtained using the Statnamic tests on micropiles. However, information about creep behavior of the micropile cannot be gathered from a Statnamic test. Statnamic testing may not be possible in areas which are difficult to access. Data from Statnamic tests may lose accuracy for length to pile diameter greater than 30, but reasonably consistent results can still be found.</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>Statnamic testing is not used on a regular basis to test micropiles. As a result, sufficient field experience using Statnamic on micropiles does not exist. Published test data does not exist to verify the effectiveness of Statnamic testing as a quality assurance method for micropile projects.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>Statnamic testing is rapid and inexpensive compared to full-scale load 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>Statnamic testing requires specialized equipment and experienced testing professionals to conduct the test and to interpret the results. However, because the load duration is longer than with PDA tests, stress wave formations can be ignored allowing for a simpler analysis. Statnamic testing does not require reaction piles or a reaction system, resulting in a shorter set up time.</p><p><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>Statnamic tests are performed as part of verifying adequate construction procedures throughout the project. The results of a Statnamic test can be used to determine the strength capacity of the micropile. These results are then used to determine the ability of the micropiles to sustain a service load. As mentioned above, Stanamic testing of microiles is not well-documented nor has sufficient experience been obtained to make it a commonplace tool. Statnamic testing should not be intended to control a micropile testing program.</p></p>