Site Supervision of

Installation of Bored piles

by
Ir. Neoh Cheng Aik
E-Geo Consultant Sdn Bhd
caneoh@gmail.com
www.egeo.com.my
19 Nov 2015

Scope of presentation
1. Introduction
2. Role & responsibility of pile supervisor
3. Pre-construction issues
4. Construction inspection for bored pile installation process:
4.1 General
4.2 Boring operation
4.3 Drilled shaft stabilization & base cleaning
4.4 Reinforcement cage placement
4.5 Concreting
4.6 Post installation testing
5. Works specifications
6. Miscellaneous issues
7. Q & A/case histories
8. Concluding remarks

1
 The Gist of issues to be discussed*
1. What are the role & responsibility of bored pile supervisors (CRE/RE/IOWS)?
2. In order to discharge the responsibility well, what are the basic info & knowledge
that a qualified bored pile supervisor should learn & acquire?
3. What are the indispensable CP/standards for bored pile supervisors to refer?
4. What are the 3 basic bored pile construction methods? What are the basic
construction process of bored pile installation? How construction process can affect performance?
5. What are the critical info sought from GI report for bored pile construction? Why a
comprehensive GI report is required for proper planning of bored pile construction
plan & preparation of method statement?
6. For boring operation, what are the factors that should be considered when
interpreting suitable boring rig & drill tools for a bored pile project?
7. For drilled shaft stabilization, what are the common methods ? Applications &
limitations of each method? QC requirements for bentonite & polymer slurry? Is
polymer slurry more expensive than bentonite slurry?
8. For base cleaning, what are the common methods? Applications & limitations of each
method? How to check/test effectiveness of base cleaning as required by Specs?
9. For reinforcement cage placement, what are the important construction
requirements?
10. What are the important quality & QC requirements of concrete for bored pile
construction? What are the common defective concreting practice?
11. For post installation testing, what are the common test methods to validate/check
structural integrity & capacity? When MTL>4000T, what are the problems & risks for
MLT using kentledge (concrete blocks)? Bidirectional load test (O-cell/C-cell/T-cell)
is reported to be safer, faster & cheaper, but can it be considered SLT? What are the
basic requirements of PDA tests on bored pile? Test standards?

2
TypicalConstructionProcess/sequenceofBoredPileInstallation.
a.Boring byaugerorbucket(suitable/adequatecapacity/torque/toolsforpilesize,depth&soil/
rocktype?).Drilledshaftstabilization?Criteriaofterminatingpiledepth?
b.Reinforcementcageisinsertedintothedrilledholeafterboringiscompleted.WCGW?
c.Tremieconcreting afterbasecleaning.WCGW?
d.Removalofcasing?
What,how&whyofthesevitalissuesofboredpileinstallation?

1. Introduction*
Thispresentationdiscusses:role&responsibilityofboredpilesupervisors;how
tocarryoutsupervisionofboredpileinstallationaccordingtoBSEN1536plus
theirrespectivesignificance&effectsonboredpileperformance;casehistories
plussomerecentresearchfindings,etc.
Formostgeotechnicalworksincludingpilingworks,D&Careinseparable.Why?
Theperformance(durability,structuralintegrity&capacity)ofboredpilescanbe
significantlyinfluencedbyeveryprocessofconstructionwithparticular
referencetoboringoperation,drilledshaftstabilization,basecleansing,
reinforcementplacement&concreting.Theimportantconstruction
requirementsforthese5importantboredpileinstallationprocesses&the
principlesinvolvedarethemainfocusofthispresentation.
Bored piles are very construction sensitive foundations &
require more thorough & stringent supervision than driven piles.
Why? The conditions, integrity & capacity of driven
prefabricated piles can be readily checked, inspected &
monitored with blow counts of the hammer & subsequent
testing, etc., but integrity & capacity of bored pile cannot be
readily inspected & checked as it is being constructed.
Inordertoensurethedesigniscomprehensive&compliedwiththe
requirementsstipulatedbyCP&localbylaws,designauditshouldbecarriedout
especiallythosedesignsclassifiedasGC3.Similarly,toensuretheconstructionis
carriedoutproperlyingoodengineeringpractice&accordingtothedesigndrgs
&specification,propersupervisionbyproperlyqualifiedpersonnelisnecessary
asperCPrequirements (EC7/BS8004).

3
*Themostimportantresponsibilityofsupervisorsistoinspect(lookclosely&critically)to
ensureconformitytoCP,Specs&drawings.Todischargethisresponsibility,thesupervisors
havetobewellversedwithCP,Spec,drawings&constructionrequirementsofboring
processes.
Torepresent theProjectOwners&takecareoftheir
Role& intereststoensurepilesareproperlyinstalled.
Responsibility Toinspectwithduecare,diligence&skillsoastoensure
conformitytoCP,Specs&drawings
ofSupervisors
Torecordtheasbuiltconditionswithduecare,diligence&
Bored skillforrecordpurpose&toserveasabasisfor piletest
selection.
Pile
Toreportanynonconformity&abnormalitiestodesigner
Installation &Client fornecessaryaction.
Properconstructionmethod(dry/wet/cased)

Properboringoperation(boringrig&drilltools)
BoringProcesses
&Construction Properdrilledshaftstabilizationmethod (water/bentonite
Requirements orpolymerslurry/casing)
Properbasecleaning method(cleanoutbucket/airlifting/
downtheholepumping)
ProperReinforcementcagefabrication&placement

Proper concrete mix & concreting

Important workshop/course details/contents covered in this

presentation are as follows:
Course: Sitesupervisionof InstallationofBoredPiles
Objective: Topreparethesitesupervisorofboredpilingworkstoinspect,tomonitorand
document/recordtheboredpileinstallationprocesses/operationsensuring
safety,serviceabilityanddurabilityofthepilefoundationasperrequirements
ofCodeofPracticeandtheContractDocuments.

CourseContent: 1. Willfamiliarizethepilesupervisorwiththerelevantboredpile
terminology,materials,equipment(borerig&tools)andprocessdetails
pertainingtoboredpileinstallation;
2. Willprovidetheboredpilesupervisorwiththenecessaryknowledge,
informationandunderstandingofboredpileconstructiondrawings
/plans,StandardJKRSpecifications(Section10:Piling),etc.;
3. Willexplain&describe theboredpilesupervisorsroleandresponsibility
forsitesupervisionofboredpilingworksfromsteponeofthepile
installationplantothefinalstepofpileinstallationtesting&acceptance.
4. Thecourseincludesareviewoftheboringrig&drilltoolsusedforbored
pileinstallationandtheconstructionrequirements;
5. Willexplainalltheimportantbored pileinstallation processes/sequences
&methodsofinstallation;allnecessaryscopeofinspection&QCtestson
materials,workmanshipandacceptancetests/measurementsfor
structuralintegrityandperformanceofboredpiles,etc.

DurationofCourse: Oneday

4
 ImportantReferenceMaterials
WorkshopNotesbyNCA canbedownloadedfromwww.egeo.com.my
JKRStandardSpecificationforRoadWorksSection10:Piling(JKR/SPJ/2010810)
Themainreferencesused/referredtopreparethiscourse/workshopnoteareas
follows:
1. PileDesign&ConstructionPractice,4th Edition,byM.J.Tomlinson(1994),
2. FoundationDesign&Construction,GEO(HK)Publication1/2006,
3. DrilledShafts:ConstructionProcedures&DesignMethods,PublicationNo.FHWAIF99025.
4. DrilledShafts:ConstructionProcedures&LRFDDesignMethods,PublicationNo.FHWANHI10016.
5. PilingEngineering,3rd Edition,byKenFlemingetal(2009)
BS8004:1986.CPforFoundations
BSEN1997:2004.Part1:GeneralRules(EC7)
BSEN1536:2000.Executionofspecialgeotechnicalworkboredpiles.
SSCP4:CodeofpracticeforFoundations,Singapore,2003.
CodeofPracticeforFoundations,HongKong,2004.

Q&A*
Ifyouhaveanyquestionordoubt,please
interrupt&ask.
Thedumbestquestionisthequestionnot
asked.
Thequestionisalwayswhatisthemostcost
effective&practicalsolutiontosuitthespecific
site&subsoilconditionsandtheansweris
alwaysrequiredanunderstandingof
engineeringprinciplesinvolved&detailground
info especiallythecriticalones.

5
 WhyproperGIisindispensableforD&Cofboredpiles?
Fordesign
Mustknowsubsurfacematerials
Mustknowsubsurfaceconditions/engineeringproperties
Mustknowcapacitytosupportloads

Forconstruction
Subsurfacematerialsdictatechoiceofboringrigs&drilltools
Subsurfaceconditionsdictateconstructionmethod
Identifypotentialconstructionproblems

WhatarethecriticalgroundinfosoughtforD&Cofboredpiles?
Whatarethecomplex&simplesubsoilconditions?
Unknownsubsoilconditionscangivesurprises&bedetrimentalto
construction&performanceofboredpilesespeciallytotheunwary
Contractors&supervisors.ReferCl5ofBSEN1536.

2.Role&ResponsibilityofSupervisor
Basic&mainjobofsupervisoristoinspect,torecord&toreport.
Toinspectisaimedtoensureconformitytospecs&drgsornodefective
construction. Torecordisaimedtoestablishasbuiltconditionswith
necessarydetails(BSEN1536,Cl10)forrecordpurpose&toserveasabasis
forpileselectionfortests.Toreport ifthereisnonconformityor
abnormalities.
Purposeofsupervision:Onlysoundpilescompliedwithdesigndrgs&
specsareinstalledortoachievezerodefectconstruction.
Toinspectmeanstolookorviewclosely&criticallytoensurenodefective
construction.Howtoinspectwithduecare,diligence&skill?Requiredwhat
basicskill&knowledge?Themainscopeofthispresentationistosharewith
youhowtoinspect&howtoidentifydefectiveconstructionwithwhys.To
achievethese,youhavetolearnthecommonconstructionmethods,
constructionprocess&theirrespectiveconstructionrequirementsplus
principlesinvolved.
Boredpilesupervisor(especiallythenovice)maybedifficultorunableto
see/feelwhatishappeningundergroundwhileinpiledriving,hammerblows
cangivesomedegreeofindications/feelsorcomfortsaboutthepilecapacity.

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 Role&ResponsibilityofSupervision*
a)Partiesinvolvedinconventionalconstructioncontract:
ProjectOwner/client:specifiestheneedsoftheproject&providestheprojectfund.Projectowner
alsoappointsprojectmanager,Consultants&Contractors.
ProjectManagerappointedbytheClient:plans,manages&administerstheprojectonbehalfof
theprojectowner;coordinatesallthepartiesinvolvedintheprojecttoensuresuccessful
implementation(planning,design&construction,budget/financecontrols,etc.)
ProjectConsultantsappointedbytheClient:preparedesigndrawings,specifications,BQ&Contract
documents.Foundationworks/pilingareusuallysupervisedbyC&SConsultantwhopreparesthe
designofthefoundation/pilingworks.
ContractorsappointedbytheClient:carryouttheconstructionworksaspercontractrequirements
&inaccordancetodrawings,specifications&BQ,etc.Usuallypilingworksarecarriesoutbya
specialistsubcontractor.
b)Role&Responsibility
BasicroleofpileconstructionsupervisorsistotakecareofProjectownersinterest&toperform
supervisionaimedtoensurepilingworksarecarriedoutbytheContractoraccordingtodesigndrawings
&specifications.
Thepilesupervisorsareresponsiblefor:
1. Theconformityofpilingworkswithdesigndrawings&specifications;
2. Thevalidityofdesignassumptionsthroughadequatescopeofdesignvalidation;
3. Theinspection&monitoringofallpilingprocesses&keepingofallnecessary
recordstoestablishasbuiltconditions;and
4. KeepingtheProjectownerand/ordesignerinformedofanyvariationsor
deviations&abnormalityfromtheexpectedsituationsorconditionsofthesiteor
anycaseofnonconformity.

Generallyandtypically,fivedirectpartiesinvolvedinaconventional
constructionofcivilengineeringandbuildingprojectcontractimplementation
are:
TheClient/Projectowner (specifiestheneedsoftheproject,providesproject
site&fund).
TheProjectManager(appointedbytheClienttomanageandadministerthe
projectonbehalfoftheprojectowner&coordinatesallpartiesinvolvedinthe
projectconstructionworks.Hastheauthoritytoenforcetheprovisionsofthe
Contract).
TheConsultants (appointedbytheClient/Projectmanagertopreparethedesign
drawings&worksspecifications(std&addendumSpec)tomeetthe
requirementsofCodesofpractice,BQ&otherinfoforthecontractdocument
fortheproject&supervisethetechnicalconstruction),and
TheContractor (charged/entrustedbytheClienttocarryouttheconstruction
workswithnecessaryresourcesasdesignedandspecifiedbythedesign
ConsultantsthroughacontractwiththeClient).Fordesign&buildcontract,the
leadcontractorengagesaconsultantandworkstogether.
TheSupervisors(IOW,ARE,RE/CRE),appointed/entrustedbytheClient/Project
managertosupervisetheworks.Hastheauthoritytoinspect(tolookclosely&
critically),accept/rejectorsuspendtheworks,basedontheconditionsof
contract.

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 Role of supervisor*
Pileconstructionsupervisorsareappointedbytheprojectowner/project
managertoserveasrepresentativeoftheClient/Projectmanagertotakecareof
theirinterestandtoperformsitesupervisionaimedtoensurepilingworksare
carriedoutbytheContractoraccordingtotheagreed/signedContract
documentsincludingConditionsofContract,BQ,designdrawingsandworks
specification.
Thesupervisor(CRE/RE/IOW)shouldserveastheeyesandearsofthe
Client/designer,andastherecorder(tomakeaccurate&unbiasedobservations;
documenteventscomprehensively&consistently;performdutypromptly,
ethically&professionallywithduecare,diligence&skill)andas thereporter(to
keepdiaryuptodate&keeptheRE/CRE/Projectmanagerinformedpromptly,
especiallywhenthereisdeviation)forthejobentrusted.
REMEMBERYOURRESPONSIBILITY:asapilesupervisor,alwaysrememberwho
yourepresent;usecommonsense;dontdelayorinterferewiththeContractors
operationunnecessarily.Rememberyourmaingoalatsiteistoensurethepiling
worksareconstructed&completedaccordingtothedrawingsandspecifications
soonestpossible.Ifyouobservepotentialnonconformance,notifythe
Contractorearlytoavoidtheundesirablesituationsfromoccurring.

Responsibility of supervisor
Inordertodischargetheresponsibilityofsupervisor,he/sheSHALLbeasuitably
qualifiedandexperiencedperson,whoshallberesponsiblefor:
a) Theconformityofpilingworkswithdesigndrawings&specifications.This
meansincompliancewithgoodengineeringpracticeandalltherequirements
stipulatedbyCP(relevantBSEN/BS8004/EC7),specificdesigndrawings&
specifications.Todischargethisresponsibility,thesupervisorhastobewell
versedwiththerelevantterminologyofpilingworks,allimportant
processes/sequenceofpilingworksandtheirrelevantscopeofinspection/QC
testsonmaterial,workmanship&performancetestsplustheiracceptance
criteria.Anexperiencedpilesupervisorisalwaysawareofthecommon
defectiveconstructionsandhowtomitigatethemproperlywiththe
cooperationfromtheContractor.
b) Checkingthevalidityofdesignassumptions
c) Theinspection&monitoringofallimportantpilingprocesses/sequencesand
keepingofallnecessaryrecords toestablishasbuiltconditions;andto
d) Report&keeptheClients/Projectmanagerand/ordesignerinformedofany
variationsordeviationsfromtheexpectedsituationsorconditionsofthesite
oranycasesofnonconformity.

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 ImportantdutiesforpilingsupervisorsorRE/IOWsareasfollows;

Tocheckthatallthepilingworksprocessesatsitearecarriedoutaccordingtothe
specificationsanddrawingsbyidentifyinganyfaultymaterials,defectiveworkmanship,non
conformityworkprocess,etc.(importantprocessesforboredpileinstallation:settingup,boringoperation,
drilledshaftstabilization,basecleaning,reinforcementplacement,concreting&postinstallationtesting).
TocheckthatthePilingContractorprovidesadequatesafetyprecautionarymeasuresduring
thecourseofallthepilingprocesses;
TocheckthattheContractorfollowstheapprovedworksprogramandmethodstatements;
TokeepvigilanceonanyvisualsignsofpiledistressonSiteandinthesurrounding
buildings/structuresandanyapparentsignsofabnormalorunforeseengroundconditions.
Toreporttodesigner/Clientonfaultymaterials,defectiveworkmanship,nonconformityworks
process,siteproblems,sitesafety,visualsignsofdistress,possibleabnormalorunforeseen
groundconditions,progress,qualityofworkmanshipandadequacyofContractorsresources
fortheWorks;
Tomakesitemeasurements,samplingandtestingofmaterialsforthepilingworks;
Tomonitorthepilingworksofallhissubordinates,ifany;
Torecordandensurethatallsitemeasurements,sitediariesonsitefieldworks,record
drawings,insituQCtestingandotherrecordsareproperlymaintainedandkeptuptodate;
Toensureconsistentsupervision,sitesafetyandmeasurementstandardacrosssitesunderhis
supervision.
Toprepareandsubmitweekly/monthlyprogressreportsandanyotherreturnsasrequiredby
designer/superior;
TocheckandverifybillsofquantitiessubmittedbytheContractor;
TocheckthattheQualityProceduresarefollowedbyallconcernedsubordinates;
Tochecktheasbuiltdrawings/recordspreparedbytheContractor;and
Tochecktheovertimedutiesofallhissubordinates,ifany.

Whatismeantbyproper&qualitysupervisionofpilingworks?Significanceofquality
supervision?
Propersupervisionofpilingworksmeanspilingworksissupervisedbyadequatenumbers
ofadequatelyqualifiedpersonnelwithduecare,diligenceandskilltoensureconformityto
design&specification.QualifiedpersonnelforsupervisionofpilingworksrequiredbyBS
8004(Clause11.4)?Whatismeantbywithduecare,diligence&skill?
Whataretherole,objectives&scopeofsitesupervisionofpilingworkswithparticular
referencetoboredpileinstallation?
Sitesupervisionofpilingworkisaimedtoensurethepilingworksareproperlyexecuted
accordingtotherequirementsofcontractdocument.Sitesupervisioncomprisesof
contractadministration&technicalsupervisionplusnecessaryprojectmanagement.
Thefocusofthisworkshopisontechnicalsupervision,whichisaimedtoensurethepiling
works(boredpile)areproperlycarriedoutusingpropermachines,qualitymaterials&
properproceduretosuitsite/subsoilconditionsandtomeettherequirementsshownin
drgs&spec/BSEN1536orasinstructedbytheEngineer.Howto achievetheaimsof
technicalsupervisionistheaimofthispresentation.
Whatarethemainscope/types/processesofconstructionactivitiesforboredpile?What
aretheirrespectiveconstructionrequirementsofgoodengineeringpractice/CPforbored
pileinstallationaccordingtoBSEN1536?
ThispresentationwilldiscusstheSKILL (technicalknowhow,training,knowledge&
experience)requiredtodischargethemainresponsibilityofsitesupervisors(RE&clerkof
works).Care&diligencearemattersofattitudeofmindandarebeyondthediscussion
withinthispresentation.

9
 SiteSupervisionPlanning
ThestatementAll boredpileconstructionSHALLcomplywithalltherequirements
stipulatedbyBSEN1536:2000.shallbeincludedinboredpiledesigndrawing&
Spec.Why?
Importantinfoforplanningsitesupervisionofboredpileinstallation:
GI/SIreport(Subsoil&WTconditions,Soiltypesespeciallyunstable&
waterbearinggranularsoilswithartesianpressure,Potential
obstruction,etc.).GDR(piledetails/geometry,numbers,size&depthof
boredpiles,criteriaoftermination,constructioncontrols,etc.),Site
conditions&dilapidationsurveyofnearby
buildings/structures/utilities/services,Contractdocuments(drgs,BQ,
Spec,etc.).Workprogram,Methodstatement,etc.
Constructioncontrols/checklist:GI/SIadequate?Potentialproblemsof
obstruction,unstable&collapsiblestrata,artesianpressure.QCsystem
(types&frequencyoftests,measurement,inspection,etc.)for
materials(concretemix&additives,rebars,coupler,spacer,etc.)&
workmanshipplusformatofrecordingofworks(dailyactivity,boring,
shaftstabilizationreinfcage,concreting,testing,etc.)
ReferBSEN1536fordetailsforsupervision&monitoringofsettingout,
boringoperation,stabilizingfluid,reinforcement,concreting&post
constructiontestingplustherecording.

*Level 1 is inspection as and when required. Level 2, 3 & 4 are inspection monthly, fortnightly and weekly
respectively. Level 5 is full-time inspection during site working hours
T1 and T2 are a certificate/diploma holder with minimum relevant working experience of 2 years and a higher
certificate/higher diploma holder with minimum relevant working experience of 3 years respectively. T3 is a higher
certificate or higher diploma holder with minimum relevant working experience of 5 years or a degree holder with
minimum 2 years of working experience. T4 is a degree holder with minimum 4 years of relevant working experience
or a registered professional engineer. T5 is a registered professional engineer with minimum 5 years of relevant
working experience. (Technical Memo for Supervision Plan, Section 39A, Building Ordinance. 2009, HK)

10
 QualityAssurance&ConstructionControls*
(citedinGeotechnicalEngineeringHandbook,Vol3editedbyUlrichSmoltczyk,2003)
Studiesoffoundationprojectsindicatethatonly15%ofdamageorqualityproblemscouldnotbe
anticipated&theremainderwereavoidable.Thesameratioisapproximatelyvalidforpile
foundations.Themainreasonsforfaultyqualityareasfollows:
a).40%errorsindesign&planning(designersresponsibility)mainlyduetoinadequate&unreliableSI/GI.
b).40%poorworkmanship(responsibilityofContractor&supervisor)
c).10%materialdeficiencies(responsibilityofContractor&supervisor)
d).10%otherdeficiencies(responsibilityofContractor&supervisor)
Howtoreducedeficiencies&damageduringpileinstallation?QMS/ISO9000
Forbettercontrol&supervision,constructionproceduresshouldbeplanned&construction
sequences/processesandresponsibilitiesbeclearlydefined.
Drillingrecords,asrequiredbyCl10ofBSEN1536,arepartofthequalityassurance.Why?
Anessentialelementofqualityassuranceofpilesisintegritytestingofproperlyselectedpiles.
Frequency &criteria ofselectionofpilesforintegritytestingfordrivenconcreteRC/spunpiles&
boredpiles?1%to2%(SSCP4:2003)
Principlesoftesting:Testingisnoteverythinguntilandunlesstheresultcanbe
representativefortheuntestedonesonthesafeside.Selectioncriteria:Howtomeetthis
requirementwhenselectpilesforintegrityandcapacitytests?Whyproperdetail
recordingisanimportantpartofQAsystem?
Onetestisworthofathousandofexpertopinions?

SiteSupervisionofBoredPiles
Forboredpileinstallation,whataretheessentialconstructionprocesses&theirrespective
constructionrequirementsaccordingtoBSEN1536?Supervisorsshouldlearnthese
thoroughlyattheirfingertipsincludingtheprinciples,significance&effectsofthe
constructionrequirementstoboredpileperformance.
Knowledgeor skillcanbeacquiredandenhancedthroughasking,reading,listening,
working/practicalexperience,etc.
Whatisaboredpile?Boredpilesareformedinthegroundbyexcavation/boringincircular
shapeof0.3mto3mtotransferloadsfromthesuperstructureintothegroundthrough
friction&endbearing.AlsocalledasDrilledshafts,Drilledpiers,Caissons,etc.
Whatarethegeneralapplications,advantages&limitationsforboredpiles?
Scope&process/sequenceofworksforboredpileinstallation?
Sitehazards&constructionrisksforboredpileinstallation.Identification&assessment.
Whatarethemainproblems(uncertainties&risks)ofboredpileinstallationinvarious
typicalsubsoilconditions?Objectives&scopeofsupervision?
Whatarethecommonmitigationsvs.WCGWatsiteproblemsrelatedtoboringoperation,
shaftstabilization,basecleansing,reinforcementplacementandconcreting?
Whatarethebasicqualification&trainingrequiredforsitesupervisorsforboredpile
installation?
References:FHWA(2010),DrilledShafts:ConstructionProcedures&LRFDDesignMethods.GEOHK
(2006)FoundationDesign&Construction.BSEN1536:2000.Executionofspecialgeotechnical
worksBoredPiles.AndrewBond&AndrewHarris(2008).DecodingEurocode7,Taylor&Francies.,
etc.

11
 Sitesupervisorstools/resourceschecklist*
Allsupervisorsshallbeequippedreadilywiththefollowing
tools/resources:
1. Referencematerials:FullContractdocuments(placedin
siteofficeforregularreference),methodstatement,
worksspecification&constructiondrawingswithlatest
amendments,ifany.GI/SIReport,GDR,BSEN1536.
2. DailyEssentials:Helmet,boots,pencil&ballpen,5m
tape,30m(orlonger)tape,life/reflectivesafetyjacket,
camera,weighted30mtape,plumbbob,etc.
3. BlankForms:approvedBoredpileexcavationlog,Rock
socketconstructionlog,Boredpileinspectionrecordlog
Concreteplacementlog,Concretedepthvolume
form/graph,integritytest,PDA&loadtestrecordforms,
etc.
4. Critical&importantinfo?

3. Pre-installation Planning*
a) Site supervisors shall carryoutsiteinspection&deskstudyofGI
report&GDR,etc.,tofamiliarizetheproject&scopeofworks.Setting
up.Dilapidationsurvey?ReadBSEN1536:2000&Specs&needto
becomefamiliar&understandalltheconstructionprocesses&
constructionrequirementsforboredpileinstallation.
b) Bored pile installation plan
Method statement (MS) for bored pile installation shall be prepared by qualified
construction engineer/manager & checked & approved by the RE before commencement
of works. MS shall include 3M (specific materials, machine & manpower with specific
details), sequence of works, output of works & QC including types, frequency &
acceptance criteria of tests/ measurements or observations, etc. Remedy if below par?
Supervisor should discuss with the Contractor about the criteria of
terminating the boring, especially when not clearly specified in drgs. Suitable boring
rigs & drill tools shall be used. Construction method (dry/wet/cased) for collapsible strata
such as water bearing granular strata, artesian pressure zone, very soft & loose soils to prevent
collapse of drilled shaft. Collapsible drilled shaft should be properly stabilized by casing and/or
mineral/polymer slurry, etc. Strict QC on the density, pH value, sand content & quality of drilling
fluid shall be observed & checked, if used. Why?
Discuss with the Contractor about construction methods & process such as
rock socket construction method, reinforcement cage placement, base
cleaning & concreting to ensure meeting the Spec. Risk or uncertainty in irregular & erratic
bedrock and karstic limestone formation shall be adequately considered with necessary
mutually agreed mitigations.
Adequate scope of design validation & QC/QA scheme shall be as specified & agreed
to check & verify the important critical design assumptions & performance criteria (capacity,
settlement & structural integrity).

12
 SomeComments&AdvicetoRE/CRE*
1. CRE/REshouldbewellversedwithBSEN1536:2000.
2. CRE&REhavetorememberthattheirmainjobistosupervise&inspecttoensurethatthepilingworks
areproperlyexecutedaccordingtothedrgs&specs.ThismeanstheRE&CREhavetoknowthespecific
requirementsoftheparticularpilingworkprocess&beabletoidentifydefectivepileconstruction&
unacceptablematerialsthatarenotincompliancewiththespecs&Drgs.
3. Nowadays,inordertoachievemorecost&timesaving,thepiledesignersand/orpileContractorsare
moreinclinedtoadoptmarginalpiledesign&fast/cheapconstructionprocess(lowquality3M&poor
workmanship).Thismeansthepilesconstructedmaynothavetheusualcontingenciesforunforeseen
eventualities&unexpectedtreacheroussubsoilconditions.ThiswillputtheresponsibilityofCRE&REto
bemorestringent,demandingandchallenging.
4. Inspectionisasgoodastheknowledge,experience&qualificationoftheCRE&RE.
5. Forboredpiles,theCRE&REmustlearn&understandtheboredpileinstallationprocess(includingthe
principlesinvolved)withparticularreferencetoboringoperation,drilledshaftstabilization,base
cleaning,placementofreinforcementcage&concretingsoastobeabletoidentifydefectivematerial&
defectiveconstructionthatwillaffectboredpilestructuralintegrity&capacity.
6. Mostofthepilingproblemscanbemitigated/averted,ifacompetentCRE/REusessystematicinspection
procedurescoupledwithduecooperationfromthepileContractor.
7. TheCRE/REmustbemorethanjustlookseelookseeatsiteorjustaboredpilerecorder.TheCRE/RE
shouldbetheeyes&earsofClient/designer/projectowner.Timelyobservations,suggestions&
correctionadvicecanultimatelyassurethesuccessofthepilingworks.Theearlieraproblemor
abnormalityisdetected&reported,theearlierasolutionorcorrectioninprocedurescanbemade&
hence,apotentiallynegativesituationcanbelimitedtomanageableone.Ifthesameproblemisleft
unattended,thenosofpilesaffectedwillincrease,asdothecost&timeofremediation&thepotential
forclaims/disputesorprojectdelays.Thus,promptdetection&reportingofanyproblembyCRE/REis
verycriticaltokeeptheprojectonschedule&withinbudget.

SomemoreadviceforRE&CRE*
1. CRE/REmustlearn&musthavetheskill/knowledgetoidentifythevarioustypes/designs
ofboringrigs&drilltoolsbeingusedbytheContractor.
2. CRE/REshouldalwaysREMEMBERthatitisNOTCRE/REsresponsibilitytodirectthe
Contractorsworksortechniques.
3. However,CRE/REmustmakereliable&accuratebutunbiasedrecords&notesastothe
boringrig&drilltoolsonsiteandbeingused.
4. IftheContractoronlyhassoilaugersonsiteandrockneedstobebored&penetrated,itis
importanttohavethisinfonoted,astheContractormaysaythematerialcannotbe
penetratedandwasmisrepresentedorharderthanindicated.Maynotreallybesoifthey
hadtheproperrockaugerorrockboringtools.
5. Theaccurate,unbiasedobservationsanddocumentationcanservetoalleviateproblems
ordisputesorclaimsthatmightarise.
6. Theboredpiledesignerknowstheprojectbyheartashe/shehaveliveditforprobablya
fewyearsoratleastseveralmonths.TheContractorknowseachdetailofconstructionas
he/shehasgonethroughtheSpecs&Drgswithfingertipdetailsduringthetender
process&sitevisit.TheCRE&REismostprobablysenttositeatthelastmoment,soitis
imperativethatCRE/REshouldbefamiliarwiththeproject(drgs,specs&siteconditions)
soonestpossiblesothattheMethodStatementcanbechecked&approvedfast.
7. CRE/REswholepurposeofbeingsenttositeistoverifythattheboredpilesare
constructedinaccordancewithSpecs&drags.Hence,theSpecs,inreality,outlinethe
responsibilityofCRE/RE.

13
 Responsibilityofsupervisorforimportantconstructionprocessesofboredpile*
installation.Whatareexpectedfromthesupervisor?Whataretheresponsibilityforeachconstructionprocess?

CONTRACTORSETUP

BORINGOPERATION
Shaftstabilization
&basecleaning

REINFORCEMENT
PLACEMENT

CONCRETING

POSTINSTALLATION
TESTING

BOREDPILE

14
3.1PreInstallationPlanning cont.*
Inbrief,supervisorsshoulddiscusswiththeContractorbeforeconstruction&understand
thefollowingmainscope&constructionprocessesforboredpileinstallation&supervision:
Preconstruction (methodstatement,dilapidationsurvey,siteinspection&check/peruse
documents:SIreport,GDR,Contractdocument,etc.)Purposes??Aimedtounderstand
thesite&subsoilconditions,scope&natureofworksinvolved.
Settingup(workmanship,pilespacing,tolerancesofposition,etc.)
Boringoperation(typesofrigs&drilltoolstosuitsite/subsoilconditions,workmanship,
principlesinvolved,responsefromsoil/rock,commonshortfalls,etc.)
Boredshaftstabilization(types/methods&applications/limitations,QCformaterial
quality&properties,principlesinvolved,commoninadequacies,etc.)
Criteriaofterminationofboring(designcriteria,technicalbasis,subsoilconditions,
workmanshipfordepth&sizemeasurement,shortfalls,etc.)
Basecleansing(types/methods&applications/limitations,workmanship&quality
assurance?Principlesinvolved,commoninadequacies&shortfalls,etc.)
Reinforcementplacement(materialquality,workmanshipforcover,spacing&stiffness
ofreinfcage.Clearopeningsbetweenrebars?Handling&placement,commondefects,
etc.)
Concreting (concreteproperties/qualities,methodofplacement&integritycontrols,
volumecheckforoverbreak,commondefects,etc.)
QConmaterials&workmanship(concretemix,types&frequencyofQCtests,reinf,
centralizers,couplers,etc.)&format&detailsofrecording
PostinstallationTesting/designvalidation(types/methodsoftesting&checkingfor
structuralintegrity&performance/capacity/settlement,etc.)

3.2PreconstructionPreparations
Siteinspectiontofamiliarizethesurroundingsiteconditions&
identifymobility&potentialconstructionproblems,effectsof
boredpileinstallationtoadjacentbuildings/structures/utilities,
etc. Understandthescope&natureofworksinvolved.
GI/SIreport(Subsoil&WTconditions,Soiltypes,Potential
obstruction,etc.)toidentifyboringobstruction&potentialhole
collapse,etc.Criticalinfo?Anyunstable/collapsiblestrata&
artesianpressure?
GDR(piledetails/geometry,Numbers,size&depthofbored
piles,criteriaoftermination,constructioncontrols,etc.),
Siteconditions&dilapidationsurveyofnearby
buildings/structures/utilities/services(ifany),etc.
Contractdocuments(drgs,BQ,Specs,etc.).
Workprogram,
Methodstatement,etc.

15
 ClassificationofConstructionMethodsforBoredPiles
1. Drymethod:forlowwatertableorstiffclayeysoils(lowpermeabilitysoils)wherethe
drilledshaftisstable&ingressofwaterintotheboreholeisnegligible(<300mm/4hrs).Fast,
simple&lowcost excavation/boring.Sometimes,casingcanbeinstalledtillbedrock&
excavation/boringcarriedoutindryconditioniftheingressofwaterisnegligibleorcanbe
controlledespeciallywhenbedrockisshallowbedrock(say<20m)&thesubsoilhaslow
permeability(K<106m/s).Trialshafts/boresshouldbecarriedouttovalidateit.
2. Wet/slurrymethod:ifdrymethodisnotpossible &/oringressofwateris
excessive&/ordrilledshaftnotstable&requireddrilledshaftstabilizationusingdrillingfluid
(waterorbentonite/polymerslurry).Waterasastabilizingfluidisonlysuitableforstiffor
hardcohesivesubsoil.Ifthemaintenanceofapileholeislikelytobedifficult,atrialboreof
relevantdimensionsshouldbecarriedout(Cl5.1.4,BSEN1536).Bentoniteslurryisgenerally
effectivetocontrolinflowofgroundwater/soilforwaterbearinggranularsoil(PI<20%)with
someartesianpressure(casingisalsoneededifhighartesianpressureisanticipated).
Polymerisgenerallymoreeffectiveforsiltysandandsandysilt.
3. Casedmethod:drilledshaftunstablewithslumping/caving/squeezingproblemsor
encounteredcavitiesorverysoftstrata.Drillingfluidisalsousedtoavoidbaseheave.Casing
canbepermanentortemporary.

Usuallyatleastsomeshorttemporarycasingoffewmetersareusedforallmethodsto
serveasguidecasing(centering)forboring,topreventshaftcollapsenearthetopsoil&
alsoassafetymeasureforworkersfromfallingintotheborehole.

4. Bored pile Construction Requirements

BSEN1536:2000 hasspeltoutthedetailsofrequirementsforgood
constructionpracticetoensuregoodperformanceofboredpilescovering
materials/productsrequirementsandworks/constructionrequirements
(boring,shaftstabilization,basecleansing,placementofreinforcementcage&
concreting,postinstallationtesting).Requirementsforqualitysupervision&
records,etc.,arealsoincluded.
Technicalrequirements&QCtestsforMaterials&ProductsforboredPiles(raw
materialsforconcretemix&grout,concreteinsitu,grout,stabilizingfluid&
reinforcementbars,couplers,stiffeners,spacers,etc.).
GI&designrelatedconsiderations&requirementsforworkmanship
(constructiontolerance&alignment,excavation/boring,reinforcement,
concreting,etc.).
WorksExecution&constructionrequirements/controlsforexcavation/boring,
fixing&placementofreinforcementcage,concreting,etc.
Requirementsforsupervisions(boredpileconstruction&testing)
Requirementsforrecords.Purpose?
Commonterminologyaboutboredpiles?ReferBSEN1536:2000
Boredpileconstructionmethod:dry,wet&casedconstruction.Applications?
Importantboredpileinstallationprocesses:settingup,boringoperation,shaft
stabilization,basecleansing,reinforcementcageplacement,concreting&post
installationtesting.Constructionrequirementsforeachconstructionprocess?Role&
scopeofinspectionbysupervisor?

16
 ConstructionSequence/activitiesforBoredPileInstallation
Construction Scope ofinspection/monitoring AcceptanceCriteria
Activity
1Preconstruction Siteinspection,deskstudy,SIreport, Installationeffectsonnearby
GDR.Checkmethodstatement. structuresorutilities.Acceptable
Coordination&communicationmeeting mitigations?Methodstatement
amongsupervisors&contractorsto OK?
resolveissues.Trialshaft? Dilapidationsurvey?Purposes?

2Settingup Toleranceofpileposition&alignment. Settingupbyqualifiedpersonnel?

Groundconditions Groundstableforthemachine?
When&frequencyofchecks? Acceptancecriteria?

3Boring Boringrigs&toolssuitable? Monitor Canperform theboring&

boringoperation&checkeffectsof
boring&groundmovement.Boring
terminationcriteria?Checkbasecleaning
method.
4Drilledshaft CheckSIreport&types/methodsof Casingforsqueezingstrata,
stabilization stabilizing:casingorwateror
bentonite/biodegradablepolymerslurry
orcombination?Frequency&
acceptancecriteriaofQCtestsrequired?
5 RebarPlacement Seenextslide
Concreting & Testing
coring/chiseling&completewithin
6hrs.?Timelimit?Basecleaning
acceptancecriteria?
bentoniteorpolymerfornormal
silty/sandysubsoil,waterforstiff/
hardclay,Casingplusbentonite
forsandysoilwithseepageflowor
withartesianpressure.Desander?

5.Reinforcement Checknumber&sizeofrebars,clearbar ReferSpecsformaterial&

CagePlacement spacing&cover.Stiffnessofrebarcage? quality/strengthrequirements
Qualityofcouplers&centralizers?Rebar &acceptancecriteria?
spacing(>5timesaggregatesize)?Check Principlesinvolved?
barposition&coverafterplacement.
6.Concreting Checkconcretemixqualityrequirements? Cohesive&consistentmix,
Checkrequirementsfortremiepipe& adequateslump(>100mm)for
concretingmethods&controls.Check fullconcretingperiod.Cube
strength. No
levelsofconcrete&volumeused,etc.
segregation/bleeding /leaching,
Checkforshaftoverbreak/overpour? intermixing/contamination.
ReferSpecforacceptance
criteria?
7.Post Testmethods&teststandardsfor ReferSpecs/standardsfor
Installation structuralintegrity &performance. requirementsforvarioustests.
Testing Standards&requirements?SLT(ASTM Pileselectioncriteriafortests?
D1143),HSDPT(ASTMD494512),LSDT(ASTM Calibrations&qualitychecks?
D5822),Statnamic&Bidirectional(SLT)tests?
8.Miscellaneous Checkgroutmix&pressureplusvolumeof ReferSpecsforacceptance
(basegrouting, groutconsumedatintendedstrata.QC& criteria?
etc.) designvalidation(method&frequency, Principlesinvolved?
etc.)

17
 ChecklistforBoredpileInstallation
Contractor&EquipmentArriveonSite YES NO NA

1.HasthecontractorsubmittedboredpileInstallationMethodStatementincludingspecific3M,
sequenceofworks&QC,etc.,toshowcompliancewiththespecificationanddesigndrawings?

1A.Cantheproposeddrillrig&toolsinthemethodstatementcompletetheboringoperationforeachboredpileas
designedwithin6hrs.?Anytestboreortrialshaft?

2.HastheBoredPileInstallationMethodStatementbeenchecked&approved?

3.DoestheContractorhaveanapprovedconcretemixdesignthatcanmeettherequirementsspecified?

4.HasthecontractorruntherequiredTrailMixandslumplosstestfortheconcretemixdesignupto4hrsorupto
maximumestimatedconcretingtimeforeachboredpile?

5.Ifconcretingisestimatedtotakemorethan2hours,hastheContractorperformedasatisfactoryslumplosstestforthe
extendedtimeperiod?

6.IftheContractorproposedablendedbentoniteorpolymerslurry,dotheyhaveanapprovedSlurryManagement
Plan/methodstatementtomeetalltheQCrequirements(pHvalue,density,sandcontent&viscosity)specified?

7.IstheContractorstechnicianqualifiedtolog,todescribesubsoilstrata&totakesoil/rocksamplesoftheboredhole
(shaftexcavation)inaccordancewithBS5930:1999?

8.HastheContractorcarriedoutdilapidationsurveytomeetthesafety&protectionrequirementsforthenearby
structures/utilitiesasspecified?

9.Hasthesiteclearing&platformpreparationbeencompletedandreadyforBoredpileinstallation?

10.DoestheContractorhavealltheequipmentandtoolsproposedinthemethodstatementandmobilizedtothesitefor
inspection?

YES No/NA
11.Ifcasingistobeused,isittherightsize&stiffnessinaccordancewiththespecificationor
methodstatement?
12.DoestheContractorhavetheproperequipment&facilitiestomix&testthequalityforthe
proposed&approvedslurry?
13.Isadesanderrequiredfortherecycledslurry?
14.Ifadesanderisrequired,doestheContractorhaveitonsiteandoperational?
15.DoestheContractor'stremiepipemeettherequirementsspecifiedwithrespecttosize,surface
conditions,watertightness,etc.?
16.Doyouhavealltherequiredboredpile/drilledshaftforms(forloggingthesubsoilstrata,rock
socketconstruction,basecleanliness,concretinglog&volumeconsumption/depth,etc.)thatneed
tobefilledoutduringtheboredpileinstallation?
16A.ArealltheformsincludealltheimportantdetailstobefilledasperrequirementsofBSEN
1536:2000?
17.Doyouunderstand&familiarizewithallofthenecessaryformstorecordboredpileinstallation
(ifnotcontacttheCRE/designerforassistance)?
Trial/testShaft
18.Isthetrial/testshaftpositionedawayfromtheproductionshaftsorassuggestedbyCRE/REoras
specifiedinthecontractdocuments?

19.HastheContractorperformedasuccessfultesthole/trialshaftinaccordancewiththeapproved
methodstatement?
20.CantheContractorcompletetheboringofaboreholewithin6hours?
21.Istheproposedconstructionmethodofrocksocketsuitable?
22.HastheContractorrevisedthetechniqueandequipmentto(andtherevisionapproved)to
successfullyconstructashaft?

18
 ShaftExcavation&Cleaning YES NO NA
23.Istheshaftbeingconstructedinthecorrectlocationandwithinthetolerancesspecified?

24.DoestheContractorhaveabenchmarksotheshaftcanbeconstructedandinspectedtothe
properelevations?
25.Ifcoreholesarerequired,hastheContractortakentheminaccordancewiththespecification?

26.Ifacoreholewasperformed,wastheRockCoreformcompletedanddidtheContractor
maintainalogasspecified?

27.IftheContractorisusingslurry,cantheyperformtestsandreportresultsinaccordancewith
thepractice/specification?
28.Istheslurrylevelbeingproperlymaintainedinaccordancewiththepractice/specification?

29.Arethepropernumberandtypesoftestsbeingperformedontheslurryinaccordancewiththe
practice/specification?
30.AreyouloggingtheSoilandRockExcavationforms?
31.Ifpermanentcasingisbeingused,doesitmeetthespecification?

32.Iftemporarycasingisbeingused,doesitmeetthespecification?

33.IstheContractormaintaininganexcavationloginaccordancewiththespecification?

34.Istheshaftwithintheallowableverticalalignmenttolerancesasspecified?

35Istheshaftofproperdepthafterchecking?
36.Doestheshaftexcavationtimemeetthespecifiedtimelimit(<6hrs)?

37.Doestheshaftbottom(cleanlinessconditions)meettherequirementsinaccordancewiththe
practice/specification?
39.DidyoucompletetheShaftInspectionform?

ReinforcementCagePlacement YES NO NA
40.Istherebarthecorrectsizesandconfiguredinaccordancewiththeprojectdesigndrawings?
41.Istherebarproperlytiedtoensurerigidityandstiffnessasrequiredwithoutexcessivedeformation
duringhandling?
42DoestheContractorhavefixedtheproperandadequatespacersforthereinforcementcagetoensure
thereinforcementcageiscentralizedinthehole?
42A.DoestheContractorhaveanapprovedmethodforcentering&supportingthereinforcementcage
configuration?
43.Ifthereinforcementcagewasspliced/coupled,wasitdoneinaccordancewiththespecification?
44.Isthereinforcementcagesecuredfromsettlingandfromfloating(duringconcreteplacementthe
cagesometimesriseswiththeplacementoftheconcrete)?

45.Isthetopofthesteelcageattheproperelevationinaccordancewiththespecification?
ConcretingOperations
46.Priortoconcreteplacement,hastheslurrybeentestedinaccordancewiththespecificationtocheck
quality?
47.Ifrequired,wasthetemporarycasingremovedinaccordancewiththespecification?

48.Wasthedischargeendofthetremiepipemaintainedintheconcretemasswithproperconcretehead
aboveit?
49.Iffreefallplacement(dryshaftconstructiononly),wasconcreteplaceinaccordancewiththe
specification?
50.Didconcreteplacementcompletewithinthespecifiedtimelimitasapprovedinthemethod
statement/specification?
51.AreyoufillingouttheConcretePlacementandDepth/Volumeforms?
52.Whenplacingconcrete,didtheContractoroverflowtheshaftuntilgoodconcreteflowedout?
53.Wereconcreteacceptancetestsperformedasrequired?

19
 PostInstallationTesting YES NO NA
54.Ifshaftisconstructedinopenwater,istheshaftprotectedforsevendaysoruntiltheconcrete
reachesaminimumcompressivestrengthof20MPainaccordancewiththespecification/method
statement?

55.Isallcasingremovedtotheproperelevationinaccordancewiththespecification/method
statement?

56.Ifrequired,hastheContractorcompliedwiththespecificationrelatedtoNondestructive
Evaluation?

57.Istheshaftconstructedwithintheacceptableconstructiontolerances?

58.HastheboredpileboreLogbeencompleted?

59.Haveyoudocumentedthepayitems?

Notes/Comments

4.1General
Therearemanytypes/designsofboring rigs&drilltoolstosuitvarioustypesof
subsoilconditions&sizes/capacitiesofboredpiles.ReferCataloguesfrom
manufacturers(USA,Europe,etc.)abouttheirdrillingcapacity(torque,crowd,
Kelly/depthcapacity,weight,etc.)
Commondrilltools(localmakeavailable):
Augers (0.453m):singlecutforsoil/rock;doublecutforsoil/rock&progressive
flightforrock.
Buckets (0.453m):singleordoublecutforsoil/rockorcleaning.Manualorauto
opening
Corebarrel:(0.453m):Tungstenbits,rollerbits,cutterhead,etc.
Doublewallcasing(0.6m2m)
Tremiepipe(0.10.3m)
Boredpilesupervisorshouldlearntoidentify&recognizevariouscommontypes
ofdrillrigs&drilltoolsplustheiruses&applications.
Whatshouldbethecriteriaforsuitabledrillrig&toolsforaproject?Complete
boringwithin6hrs,cleanbase(FHWAPublicationIF99025)minimum50%of
thebasehas<0.5or12.5mmofsediment&maximumdepthofsedimentor
debrisis1.5or38mm). Properconstructionmethod&handlingofslurry?

20
ImportantTerminologyaboutboredpilingrig&tools
KellyBaristherodrunningthroughtheturntablethatdrilltoolscanbeattachedto.Usuallytelescoping
Table orturntableisconnectedtopowerunittoturntheKellyBar.
PowerUnitprovidesthepowertoturnthetable&KellyBar.
DrillToolreferstosoil/rockauger/bucket,cleanoutbucket,corebarrel,etc.,thatgodowntheborehole.

There are many types/designs of boring rigs:

mechanical, hydraulic & reverse circulation drill
rig, etc. Crane/truck/track/crawler/carrier
mounted. Their capacity is mainly indicated by
the torque capacity (50 to 600 kN.m), depth
capacity(Kelly bar) & weight. Most drill rigs are
made in USA, Europe & China, etc.

Applications&limitationsofdrillingtoolsforspecificsubsoilconditions?

21
Boredpilesupervisorshouldlearntoidentify&recognizevarioustypesofdrillrigs,drilltools
&drillbits,etc.,theirapplications&limitations.Propertoolsarerequiredtobedeployedto
carryouttheworkstoachievethepurpose&tomeetthedesignrequirementstohavehigh
fsu &fbuplusstructuralintegrity.

Functions,applications&limitationsofsoil/rockaugers&
buckets?Notethedifferencesindesignofthedrillteeth.

22
Functions,applications&limitationsofvarioustypes/designsofaugers&buckets?

Therearemanytypes/designsofboringrigs&drillingtoolstosuitvarioussubsoilconditions&tomeet
variousconstructionrequirements.Capacityofboringmachine:bHP,torque,crowd,etc.Methodsof
drilledshaftstabilization:temporary/permanentcasing,bentonite/mineralslurry,dry/liquidpolymer?
Typesofdrillingtools:soil/rockaugers,soil/rockbuckets,corebarrels&bits,cleanoutbucket,casing
twister,etc.Methodofrocksocketconstruction?BaseCleansingmethods?

23
Whenrockisencountered,boreholecanbeadvanced
bycorebarrel,rockbits,rockaugersorcombination,
dependingonrockconditions??

Observe&notethe
differencesbetweenthe
cleanoutbucketand
drilling/excavation
bucket.Cleanoutbucket
usuallyissmallerthan
thedrillingbucket.Why?
Basealsocanbe
cleansed byairliftingor
downtheholepumping
methods

24
Threecommonconstructionmethods:Dry,wet&cased.Applicationsof
eachmethod?Whendryconstruction(easiest&simplest)ispossible?
DryMethodofConstruction WetMethodofConstruction

BentoniteSlurry CasedMethodofConstruction

DryMethodforBoredPileInstallation.
Whenispossible&applicable?Casehistories?
Cheapest, most simple & fast excavation method without slurry.
At least one test/trial shaft shall be done to confirm applicability.
Side & base stable without caving, sloughing or swelling over 4 hrs.
period after completion of excavation & water accumulation is
<300mm/4 hrs. Trial shaft. Water & loose material can be removed
before concreting (FHWA-IF-99-025). Less than 75mm water at base &
<12mm loose material at base will not seriously affect performance.
Concreting free fall >20m not allowed & usually some tremie pipe or
chute is required. Slump >150mm, max aggregate 20mm.
Dry method is usually possible under what subsoil conditions?

In case encountered with

unforeseen unstable
strata, what to do??
Construction
processofDry
Construction
Method Dryconstructionisalso
possiblebyinstallationof
casingtillbedrockifinflowof
groundwaterisnegligibleor
canbecontrolledespecially
whenbedrockdepthis
shallow,say<20m.

25
 WhenDryMethodforBoredPile
Installationispossible?FHWA
requirements?Stabilityofdrilledshaft&
ingressofgroundwater?
Drymethodrequiresnocasing&stabilizing
fluid.Stiffcohesivesubsoil/rock&no
caving/sloughing/swellingstrata&/orWT
belowshafttip.Nobaseheave.Inflow
water<300mm/4hr.
Shouldbeconfirmedbyatrialshaft/bore.

Why wet method is the most

common & challenging method?
Wet method or slurry method can be
by static process or circulation
process. Pros & cons?
When permanent casing is required?

WetConstructionorSlurrymethod
(DryMethod:<300mmofwaterper4hrs.;sides&bottomremainstablewithoutcaving/
sloughing/swelling(4hrwait);loosematerial&watercanbesatisfactorilyremoved).Wet
method:>75mmofwaterperhr.;sides&bottomnotstable&requiretobestabilizedby
casing/water/slurryofbentoniteorpolymer.

ConstructionProcess Whywetmethodisthemost
ofWetMethodor commonbutchallenging
Slurrymethod method?
Wetmethodcanbestatic
processorcirculation
process?Pros&cons?

Slurry can be mixture of

water & polymer or
bentonite or other clays.
Attapulgite & Sepiolite are
typically used in saltwater
environment. Must be
hydrated & mixed by high
speed colloidal mixer. It
takes about 24 hrs. to
hydrate

26
 TwoPossiblewetconstructionmethods

Applicableforwhat
typeofsubsoil
conditions?

Collapsiblestratasuchaswater
bearinggranularsoilespecially
withartesianpressure/verysoft

Differencesbetweenwetstaticmethod
&wetcirculationmethod.Static
methodremovescuttingtothesurface
bydrilltoolswhilethecuttings&sandis
circulatedtothesurfacethrough
bentonite(usuallynotpolymer,why?)by
vacuumpumpindirectorreverse
circulationmethod.

27
 Reverse
Circulation
Drilling

Twopossibleconstructionmethodsusingcasing
Inunstableboreholes,thecasingshouldbemaintainedinadvanceofboring(Cl8.1.3.8,BSEN1536)

Dryconstructionispossiblebyinstallation
ofcasingahead ofboringtillbedrockif
inflowofgroundwaterisnegligibleorcan
becontrolledespeciallywhenbedrock
depthisnotdeep,say<20m.

Problemsofcavityinwaterbearing
granularsoilifcasingisnot
installedaheadofboring

28
 Whentemporarycasing&permanentcasingmethodarerequired?

CasedMethodof
Construction

Whenpermanentcasingisrequired?

CasedMethodofConstruction
Casingmethodisforverysoft&sandystratawithartesianpressure,etc.Shouldbeinstalled
beforeboring.Telescopingcasingwhentoodeep.Somecasingsay3mto6misusually
installedwithabout0.6mabovegroundlevelindry&wetmethodasguidelength,forsafety
purpose&topreventmaterialfromdropin,etc.Methodstoinstallcasing?Pros&cons?

29
 4.2BoringOperation*
Important issues that site supervisors (CRE/RE) should know & understand the
basis /principles about boring operation for a specific project are:
What are the critical ground info sought for planning of boring operation?
What are the common difficult/complex/treacherous subsoil conditions for
boring operation? What are the common simple/easy subsoil conditions?
What are meant by suitable/appropriate boring rigs & drill tools for the
specific site & subsoil conditions? Check Specs & BS EN 1536.
What are the acceptable construction tolerances in setting up, pile diameter,
plan position & verticality of piles? Check Specs & BS EN 1536.
What are the boring termination criteria? What is meant by rock socket & its
definition/description (BS 5930:2015)? Check GDR & designer.
What are details about boring operation that should be recorded? Check Specs
& BS EN 1536. Purposes of detail records?
What are the possible risks of excessive ground movement that may endanger
workers, adjacent structures & completed piles, etc.? What are the precautions
& mitigations required? Check Specs, GI report/GDR/ designer.
What are the typical defective boring operation?
What are the important construction requirements of boring operation? Complete
boring within <6hrs (why?) or <12 hrs (rock socket), clean base (FHWA Publication IF-99-025) minimum 50% of
the base has < 0.5 or 12.5mm of sediments & maximum depth of sediment or debris is 1.5 or 38mm). Complete
one pile within 24 hrs./same working day (BS EN 1536). Base cleaning requirements?

4.2a Boring Operation or shaft excavation*

Criticalgroundinfosoughtforplanningboringoperation,shaftstabilization,etc.are:any
collapsible/unstablestrata(waterbearinggranularsoils/softstrata,artesianpressure,cavities,
boulder/hardobstructions,etc.).Whatarethemostdifficult/complex/treacheroussubsoil
conditionsforboringoperation?Easy/simpleones?Why?
Boreholecanbeadvancedbyusingmanytypesofdrillrigs&toolsdependingmainlyonsubsoil
conditions(properties&groundwaterlevel&pressure)anddesignsize/depth/capacityofbored
pile.Therearemanytypesofdrillrigs(bHP,torque&crowd/weight)&drilltools/equipmentplus
drilledshaftstabilizationmethodstosuitvarioussite&subsoilconditionsforaparticularboredpile
size/depth.
Importantrequirementsareboringprocessshallbeasfastaspossible(typicallyshouldbelessthan
6hrs.forsmallpiles&<12hrs. forrockcoringorlargepilesize>2mdiameter).Normallydrillrig
withhightorquecapacity(>300kN.m)candrillfaster,deeper&bigger.Drillrigwithlowtorque
capacity(<100kN.m)mayhavedifficultyorslowforrockcoringtoconstructrocksocket,especially
largediameter(>1.2m)rocksocketinfreshhardrock.
Normallythechoiceofconstructionmethod(wet/dry/cased)&selectionofappropriateboringrig
&drilltoolistheresponsibilityoftheContractorunlessotherwisespecifiedbythedesigner.
However,theContractorsproposedconstructionmethod&selectedrig&toolsshallhave
adequatecapacity&powertoachievethespecifiedconstructionrequirementsspecifiedwith
particularreferencetotime,dimensiontolerances,drilledshaftstability&cleanliness.
Whereboredpilesareconstructedingroundwhichislikelytodeterioratewithtimeanditisnot
possibletofinishthepilebytheendoftheworkingday,adepthequivalenttoatleasttwicethe
shaftdiameterbutnotlessthan1.5mshallbeboredthefollowingworkingdayimmediatelybefore
concreteplacement(BSEN1536Clause8.1.1.8).
Duringboring,ifthegrounddifferssignificantlyfromthedesignsuchaspresenceofunstablestrata,
highartesianpressure,excessivegroundlossorsignificantlossofdrillingfluid,undergroundpiping
orunforeseenimpenetrableobstructionpriortoreachitsdesignedfoundinglevel,thedesigner
shallbeinformedimmediatelyoffurtheractionrequiredtocontinuethework.ReferBSEN1536.
Theuseofexplosivesforremovingobstructionsorforsocketingpilesintobedrockshallnotbe
allowedasitmayresultindamagetoadjacentpilesorstructures.
Theconstructionsequenceofpilesshallbechosensoastoavoiddamagetoneighboringpiles.The
minimumallowabledistanceshallbenotlessthan3pilediameterawayfromanypileconcreted
lessthan24hrs.

30
Boredpilesupervisorshouldlearn&recognizevarioustypesofboringrigsn
toolsplustheirapplications&limitations.
Thecapacityofarotarydrillingrigisoftenexpressedintermsofthemaximumtorquethatcanbedeliveredtothe
drillingtoolsandthe"crowd"ordownwardforcethatcanbeapplied.Otherfactorscanhavegreatimpactonthe
efficiencyoftheriginmakinganexcavation,particularlythetypeanddetailsofthedrillingtools,butthetorque
andcrowdareimportantfactorsaffectingthedrillingrate.
Torqueandcrowdaretransmittedfromthedrillingrigtothedrillingtoolby
meansofadriveshaftofsteel,knownastheKellybar,orsimplytheKelly."
ThedrillingtoolismountedonthebottomoftheKelly,whichareusuallyeitherroundorsquareincrosssection,
andmaybecomposedofasimplesinglepiece(uptoabout20mlong)ormaytelescopeusingmultipleinner
sectionstoextendthedepthtowhichtheKellycanreach.ThesquareKellybarsoftenrequireaworkertoinserta
pintolocktheouterbartotheinnertelescopingKellypiece,whereastheroundKellysoftenincludeaninternal
lockingmechanism.InsomerigstheweightoftheKellyandthetoolprovidesthecrowd.Inothers,hydraulicor
mechanicaldevicesarepositionedtoaddadditionaldownwardforceduringdrilling.
Thesitesupervisorshouldhavesomeknowledgetoidentifyboringrig&drilltoolsusedbytheContractor.
Thoughtheselectionofconstructionmethods&choiceofappropriateboringrig&drilltoolsis
normallytheContractorsresponsibility,thesitesupervisorhastochecktheboringrig&toolsused
canmeetthespecifiedrequirementswithreferencetospeed/timeandquality(dimensional
toleranceandcleanliness),etc.Supervisoralsohastomakeaccuraterecordastotheboringrig&
toolsonsiteandbeingused.
IftheContractoronlyhassoilaugersonsitebutrockneedstobebored&penetrated,itis
importanttohavethisinfonoted,astheContractormaysaythematerialcannotbepenetrated&
wasmisrepresentedorharderthanindicated.Maynotbereallysoiftheyhavetherighttools/bits.
Thesupervisorsaccurate,unbiasedobservationanddocumentationcanhelpalleviateproblemsor
questionsthatmightarise.

Boringoperationcont.
a)Asaboredpilesupervisor,he/sheshouldlearn:
Theboringterminationcriteria.ShouldbespecifiedinConstructiondrgbydesignerorMethod
statementbytheContractor.
Howtolog&recordboringoperationrequiredbyBSEN1536(Cl10).Stratadescription
asperBS5930:2015. Detailstobelogged,purpose,etc.
Howtocheckpileposition&alignment.Techniques&acceptablelimits.
Howtodetermineboreddepth?
Howtodistinguish/identifysoil&rocksubsoil?Howtodeterminerocksocketdepthin
boredhole?ASTM(1967),RPM@maxpower&downthrust,useofrockdrilltool,rockdescription
BS5930:2015,etc.
Cant
HowtoassessbasecleanlinessasrequiredbySpecs? understand
whatthey
Techniques&acceptablelimits.
aredoing?

31
 Whatshallbethepilepositiontolerance?Practical &technicalconsiderations?

Table PositionalTolerancesofInstalledPiles

Tolerance
Description
Landpiles Marinepiles

Deviationfromspecifiedpositioninplan,measured 75mm(100mmfor
diam<1m.150mmfor 150mm
atcutofflevel diam>1.5m)

Deviationfromvertical
1in75(1in50) 1in25

Deviationofrakingpilesfromspecifiedbatter 1in25(1in25)
Deviationfromspecifiedcutofflevel 25mm

Notes:TabletakenfromGeneralSpecificationforCivilEngineeringWorks
HongKongGovernment,1992).ThebracketvaluesareforboredpilesaccordingtoBSEN
1536.

32
 Cl.8.3.1.1ofBSEN1536:Theintervalbetweencompletionofexcavation&
commencementofconcreteplacementisrequiredtobekeptasshortas
possible.

ImportantIssuesthatSiteSupervisorshouldknowduring
BoringOperation(BSEN1536)
1. Whatarethecriticalsubsoilinfothatsitesupervisorshouldfindout,ifany?
2. Duringboring,ifitisobservedtohaveuncontrolledinflowofwaterand/orsoilintothebore
(Cl.8.1.1.1),whattodo?Whatishappening?Consequences?
3. Incaseofunfavourablestratawhencomparedwiththedesignbearinglayer(Cl.8.1.1.3)or
groundconditionsdifferfromthosestipulatedinthedesign(CL8.1.1.6),whattodo?
4. Incaseofslopesurfaceofbedrock(Cl.8.1.1.4),whattodo?
5. Wherepilesareconstructedingroundwhichislikelytodeterioratewithtime&itisnot
possibletofinishthepilebytheendoftheworkingday(Cl8.1.1.8),whattodo?
6. Ifapileboreencountersanimpenetrableobstructionpriorreachingthefoundinglevel(Cl
8.1.1.9),whattodo?Canuseexplosive&/orchiseling?
7. Disturbedsoil,debrisoranyothermaterialthatcouldaffectpileperformanceshallbe
removedfromthebasepriortoconcreting(Cl8.1.1.12).How?
8. WhytheinfoaboutWT&artesianconditionsplussoiltypearecrucialforboringplanning?
9. Whataretheeffectivemitigationsvs.unstablestrata(Cl8.1.3.9,cavingin&base
heave/boiling)?
10. Incaseofsuddenoutflowofstabilizingfluidfromthebore(Cl8.1.4.8),whattodo?
11. Whatarethedesiredpropertiesofbentonite&polymerslurry(CL8.1.4.1)?Consequence
whenthelimitsareexceeded?
12. Whatismeantbypistoneffectofdrillingtool(Cl8.1.4.9)duringboring?Consequences?
13. Whatarepurposesofleadintubeorguidewallcasing(Cl8.1.14)?

33
 4.3DrilledShaftstabilization&BaseCleaning*
Importantissuesthatsitesupervisors(CRE/RE)shouldknow&understandthe
basis/principlesaboutdrilledshaftstabilization&basecleaningforaspecific
projectare:
1. Whatarethecriticalgroundinfosoughtforplanningofdrilledshaft
stabilization?Whatarethecommondifficult/complex/treacheroussubsoil
conditionsforshaftstabilization?Whatarethecommonsimple/easy
subsoilconditions?
2. Whenaholeisexcavatedintheground,therewillbeastressrelief
resultingindrilledshaftinstability,especiallybelowWTwithartesian
pressure.Whataretheengineeringprinciplesinvolved?
3. Whatarethecommonmethodsofdrilledshaftstabilization?Factors
influencingtheselection?Principles,QC,applications&limitationsofeach
method?
4. Whatarethecommondefectsindrilledshaftstabilization?Howthe
defectscanaffectthestructuralintegrity&capacityofboredpiles?
5. Whatarethecommonmethodsofbasecleaning?Factorsinfluencingthe
selection?Principles,QC,applications&limitationsofeachmethod?

4.3DrilledshaftStabilization&basecleansingCont.
a)Whenaboreholeisexcavated,therewillbesomestressreliefinthesubsoilresultinginsome
movementofthesurroundinggroundanddrilledshaftcollapse(inflowofwaterand/orsoilintothebore)
especiallyinwaterbearingsandysubsoilorwhenthereisartesianpressure.Properdrilledshaft
stabilizationisveryimportant:
toreducezoneofstressrelief(thatwillreducefsu),
toreducedisturbancetoorinstabilityofthebearingstratumorthesurroundingground,especiallyloose
granularandsoftcohesiveground,
toreduceunstablecavitiesoutsidethepile
toavoid/reduceoverbreakorformationofirregularcavities.
b)Usualpracticeistousetemporarycasingforthetopfewmetersasguidelengthandthenusewateras
drillingfluidifthesubsoilismainlystiffcohesivesoilwithoutverysoftlayersandabsentofcollapsible
waterbearingsand/gravellayers.Temporarycasingshallbecylindricalandwithoutsignificant
longitudinalordiametricaldistortionandalsoshallbestrongenoughtotakehandlingstressandground
pressure.Forunstable/cavingsubsoils(uniformnoncohesivesoils(d60/d10<1.5)belowgroundwatertable
orloosenoncohesivesoilswithrelativedensity<0.3orsensitiveclaysorsoftclaywithCu<15kPa)
especiallywaterbearingsand/gravelwithsomeartesianpressure,bentoniteslurryorcasingorbothis
necessarytosuppressboilingandboreholecollapse.Inbuiltupareasormoreenvironmentsensitive
areasordesignedtohavehighfriction,liquidorsolidpolymerisusedinsteadofbentonite.Atalltime
duringboringandconcreteplacementthelevelofstabilizingfluid(water/bentonite/polymerslurry)shall
bemaintained(atleast1mabovethegroundwaterlevel).Fordeepverysoftsubstrata,temporaryor
permanentcasinghastobeusedtopreventneckingproblem.Casingexceeding12mdeepisdifficult
and/orproblematictoinstall&extract,unlessdouble/triplecasingsareused.Nowadays,mostboredpile
designersspecifypolymertoreplacebentonitefordrilledshaftstabilizationbecausebentoniteslurryhas
beenreportedtohaveabout15%to40%reductioninfsu,inadditiontoenvironmentproblems,especially
whenpoorqualitybentoniteisusedandpropercontrolandtestsonsandcontent,densityandpHvalue
ofthebentoniteslurryarenotcarriedout.

34
 SupervisionofBoring&ShaftStabilizationcont.*
Favourablesoilconditionsforboring:Stiffcohesivesoilsorstiff
claywithPI>30%.Why?Unfavourabletofsu?
Unfavourablesoilconditions:waterbearingsandysoil.Why?
Worstiswithhydraulicgradientorartesianpressure.Why?
Howaboutboringproblemsinverysoftclay?Veryhardrock?
Whatarethefactorsthatinfluenceboredshaftoverbreak?
Mitigations?
Howtoensurebaseofboredpileisfreefromsoftmaterialor
debris?Howtoassess&verifyatsite?
Howstructuralintegrityofboredpilecanbeinfluencedby
concretequality,concretingpractice,reinforcementcage,
boring&boredshaftstabilizationmethod?Whatarethe
methodstoassessstructuralintegrityofcompletedboredpiles?
Whatarethecommonboredshaftstabilizationmethods?
Factorsinfluencingselectionofboredshaftstabilization
method?Principles,QC,applications&limitationsofeach
method?

Whattorecordforboringoperation?
BORED PILE INSTALLATION LOG
1. ProjectName:.Pageof..
2. Contractor:..PileRefNo:
3. Loggedby:.Date:.
4. Inspectedby...Date:.

Casinginformation Elevation/RL Dimensions DrillFluid Concrete&Reinf

ID:TopElev: GL:.. Soilaugerdia:.. Type: Theoreticalvol:m3
OD:..BotElev:... RockAugerdia:.......... .. Actualvol:..m3
Length:
WL:.
Drillbucketdia:.. Overbreak:%
Type:. CutoffL: Testresults:
1.
Cleanoutbucketdia:..
ProjectName:.Pageof..
ReinfCage:
..
2. Contractor:..PileRefNo:
3. Loggedby:.Date:. Meetspec:
4. Inspectedby...Date:.

Depth Date/time Elevation Soil/rockstratadescription&observations

(m) In out /
RL(m)

35
 Thepositionofboredpileshould
becheckedbeforeboring&after
boringiscompleted.Howin
practice?
Howtocheckwhetherthe
positionofborediswithinthe
permissibletolerance?
PermissiblePlumbness/verticality
ofdrilledshaft?
Theverticalityofdrilledshaft
shouldbecheckedperiodicallyas
theshaftisprogressedtoensure
verticalityiswithinthetolerable
limit,especiallythefirstfewpiles
foreachboringrig.

Important QC tests for bentonite slurry (BS EN 1536) to

ensure performance are as follows:
QC Tests Fresh At Time of ready for reuse Before Test method
concreting

Density <1.10 g/cc <1.15 g/cc Mud balance (API 13BSec 1)

Viscosity 32 to 50 sec 32 to 60 sec 32 to 50 sec Marsh Funnel (946cc)

Marsh value (API 13BSec 2)

Fluid loss <30 cm3 <50 cm3

pH value 7 to 11 7 to 12 pH Paper/meter

Sand contents <4% Sand screen set (API 13BSec

4)

l(The slurry shall not stand for > 4hrs without agitation. Why?) shall
Level of bentonite slurry in bored hole should be at least 1.2m above the piezometric
pressure level (or 1.8m if polymer slurry).
4 sets of tests for the first 8 hrs. & if the results are OK, 1 set of tests every 4 hrs. Sampling
& testing should be just prior to concreting for near the base & at 3m intervals of the
slurry column. For polymer slurry, the acceptable results may vary according to
supplier specification. Polymer slurry & water requirements?

36
 QualityrequirementsforPolymerslurry
Property AtTimeof InHoleat Test
(units) Slurry Timeof Method
Introduction Concreting

Density 995to1018kg/m3 1000to1018kg/m3 MudBalance

(API13B Sec1)

Viscosity(min) 45sec/0.95L 45/0.95L MarshFunnel

45sec/quart 45sec/quart (API13B Sec2)

pHvalue 810 810 pHPaper

pHMeter
(API13B Sec6)

Sandcontent <1% <1% SandScreenSet

(%byvolume) (API13B Sec4)

ImportanceofDrilledshaftstabilization*
Whatismeantbydefectivedrilledshaftstabilization?Worksspecrequirements?
Commonmalpractice&shortfalls?
Whatarethecommonmethodsfordrilledshaftstabilization?Applications/pros&
limitations/cons?QCtests&acceptancecriteria?Principlesinvolved?
WhencantheContractorusewaterasdrillingfluid?
Whatarethecommonbasecleansingmethods?JKRSpecs?Whatarethe
acceptancecriteria?Howtoassess&verifyatsite?
Applications&limitationsofwater,bentonite&polymerslurryasdrilledshaft
stabilizationmethods?ImportantQCtests&acceptancecriteria?Principles?
Methodstoinstalltemporary/permanentcasing?Commonmishandling/
managementofcasing?Consequences?
Bentoniteslurrymustbehydratedforseveralhrs.&mixedbyhighspeedmixer
(shearing)untilitsviscosityisstabilized.Whenneeddesandertoremovesilt&
sandcontentsbeforereuse.Why?
Therearemanytypesofpolymers;solidorliquid;semisyntheticortotally
syntheticslurry.Requirelessconditioningbeforereuse;canbedisposedof
inexpensively.Needlongertimetoletsuspendedcuttings(especiallysilt)to
settleoutbeforebasecleaningandconcreting.Noteffectivetocontrolboiling
duetolowdensity.

37
 Comparison
Functionsofslurry:Tostabilizeopenborehole;toretardshaftloosening/stressrelief&tofacilitateremoval
ofcuttingsinairliftingmethod,etc.
Properties BentoniteSlurry PolymerSlurry
Bestapplication Cohesionlesssoils, some Clayey&silty&argillanceous
artesianpressure rocks
Mixability Difficult;musthydratedfor Easy
severalhrs.&mixedwith
highspeedcolloidalmixer
Mixwatersensitivity Saltwater sensitive GenerallyOK
Cakingability Best OK
Suspensionability Best OK.Silttakeslongtimeto
settle

38
Platesinporesofopenedporedformation(modifiedafterFleming,etal,1977).
QCforslurry?Principles?

39
40
 SlurrySpecforRocksocketedboredpiles(afterHolden,1984)

Rangeofpropertiesofvariousfreshwaterslurriesattimeof
concretingconsistentwithmaintenanceofangleoffriction
insandof0.67OinLabtests(afterMajanoetal,1994)

41
 Qualityrequirements Type of ground Recommended Viscosity (MFV).
Usually about 0.5kg to 2kg per m3 of water.
forPolymerslurry Clay, Silt, Shale 32 35
Fine to coarse sand 35 40
Coarse to pea gravel 40 50
Gravel to cobbles 50 70
Property AtTimeof InHoleat Test
(units) Slurry Timeof Method
Introduction Concreting

Density 995to1018kg/m3 1000to1018kg/m3 MudBalance

(API13B Sec1)

Viscosity(min) 45sec/0.95L 45/0.95L MarshFunnel

45sec/quart 45sec/quart (API13B Sec2)

pHvalue 810 810 pHPaper

pHMeter
(API13B Sec6)

Sandcontent <1% <1% SandScreenSet

(%byvolume) (API13B Sec4)

Important QC tests for bentonite slurry (Clause 6.52

of BS EN 1536) to ensure performance are as
follows (For polymer slurry: density<1.02 g/cc, viscosity=30 to90
:
sec & sand content<1%). Significance of QC tests?
QC Tests Fresh At Time of Before Test method
ready for reuse concreting

Density <1.10 g/cc <1.15 g/cc Mud density

<1100 kg/m3 <1150 kg/m3 balance (API 13b
Sec 1)
Viscosity 32 to 50 sec 32 to 60 sec 32 to 50 sec Marsh Funnel
Marsh value (946cc)
(API 13BSec 2)
Fluid loss <30 cm3 <50 cm3
pH value 7 to 11 7 to 12 pHPaper/meter
(API13B Sec6)

Sand contents <4% Sand screen set (API

13BSec 4)

42
FormationofBentonitefiltercakeinresponseto
differentpressurehead(afterWates&Knight,1975)

Concretingthroughheavilycontaminatedslurry(MONeill,1999)

Structuralintegrity
problemsdueto
poorlyhandlingof
slurry.

43
 Factorscausingweakenedbaseofboredpiles.
Drilledshaftnotproperlystabilized;basenotproperlycleansed;longlapseoftimebetween
basecleaning&concreting,poorconcretingpractice,etc.Casehistories?Mitigations?

PlacingCasingintomineralslurrywithexcessivesolidcontents
(MONeill,1999)

44
 Pullingcasingtoofastwithinsufficientheadoffreshconcrete
(M.ONeill,1999)

Problemsduetocasing
notinstalledaheadof
boringinunstablestrata.

BaseCleansing
Collapsedmaterialsordebrisaccumulatedatthebaseofaboredpilemayleadtointermixingand
inclusionsintheconcreteoralayerofsoftmaterialatthebaseofthepile..
Alternatively,foreignmaterialscouldbedepositedaccidentallyintothepile.Itwillbeprudentto
ensurethatasufficientprojectionofthetemporarycasingisleftabovegroundlevelandthat
emptyboresareproperlycovered.
Thefinalcleaningofthepilebasemaybedonewiththeuseofacleanoutbucketfollowedbyair
liftingordowntheholepumping.
Theuseofaskirtedairliftinwhichdebris wouldbedrawninoveralargerareamaybemore
effective(Flemingetal,1985).Onsomeoccasions,thereversecirculationdrillhasbeenusedfor
thispurpose.Opinionsdifferastotheeffectivenessandpotentialdisturbancebetweentheuseof
anairliftpipeandthereversecirculationflush,particularlyinweatheredrockswhichmaybe
susceptibletodisturbanceordamageofthebondinginherentinthegrainstructure.Ifbase
cleaningisnotdoneproperly,potentialproblemsincludingplasteringofthefiltercakeand
presenceoflargepiecesofdebrisatthepilebasemayoccur.
Evenifthebaseisfreefromsignificantdebris,thesoilbelowthebasemaybedisturbedand
loosenedasaresultofdigging,stressrelieforairlifting.
Specialtechniquesmaybeadoptedtoconsolidateandcompacttheloosenedsoil.Theseinclude
pressuregroutingwiththeuseofastonefillpack(Tomlinson,1994)orTubeaManchette
(Sherwood&Mitchell,1989).Inaddition,shaftgroutingmaybecarriedouttoenhancetheshaft
stiffnessandcapacity(Morrisonetal,1987).However,Mojabi&Duffin (1991)reportedthatno
significantgaininshaftresistancewasachievedbyshaftgroutinginsandstoneandmudstone.
ExperiencewithsuchconstructionexpedientsislimitedinHongKong.

45
 BaseCleansingcont
Whatismeantbydefectivebasecleansing?Howtodetectbasethatisnotclean?Worksspec
requirements?Commonmalpractice&shortfalls?
Collapsedmaterialsordebrisaccumulatedatthebaseofaboredpilemayleadtointermixingand
inclusionsintheconcreteoralayerofsoftmaterialatthebaseofthepile..
Alternatively,foreignmaterialscouldbedepositedaccidentallyintothepile.Itwillbeprudentto
ensurethatasufficientprojectionofthetemporarycasingisleftabovegroundlevelandthat
emptyboresareproperlycovered.
Thefinalcleaningofthepilebasemaybedonewiththeuseofacleanoutbucketfollowedbyair
lifting.
Theuseofaskirtedairliftinwhichdebris wouldbedrawninoveralargerareamaybemore
effective(Flemingetal,1985).Onsomeoccasions,thereversecirculationdrillhasbeenusedfor
thispurpose.Opinionsdifferastotheeffectivenessandpotentialdisturbancebetweentheuseof
anairliftpipeandthereversecirculationflush,particularlyinweatheredrockswhichmaybe
susceptibletodisturbanceordamageofthebondinginherentinthegrainstructure.Ifbase
cleaningisnotdoneproperly,potentialproblemsincludingplasteringofthefiltercakeand
presenceoflargepiecesofdebrisatthepilebasemayoccur.
Evenifthebaseisfreefromsignificantdebris,thesoilbelowthebasemaybedisturbedand
loosenedasaresultofdigging,stressrelieforairlifting.
Specialtechniquesmaybeadoptedtoconsolidateandcompacttheloosenedsoil.Theseinclude
pressuregroutingwiththeuseofastonefillpack(Tomlinson,1994)orTubeaManchette
(Sherwood&Mitchell,1989).Inaddition,shaftgroutingmaybecarriedouttoenhancetheshaft
stiffnessandcapacity(Morrisonetal,1987).However,Mojabi&Duffin (1991)reportedthatno
significantgaininshaftresistancewasachievedbyshaftgroutinginsandstoneandmudstone.
ExperiencewithsuchconstructionexpedientsislimitedinHongKong.

Basecleansingcanbebycleanout
/bailingbucketplus
airliftingordowntheholepumping

ImmersionLength
not<50%L

Airlifting
device.
Principles?

AIRLIFT Anairliftisadevicethatusesair
pressuretosuckwaterandsoilparticlesfrom
theshaftbottom.Anairlineisruntothe
bottomofapipecalledanairliftpipe.Inside
thebottomoftheairliftpipetheairis
dischargedupwardcausingthewaterinthe
Cleanout pipetoflowupward,dischargingoutofthetop
bucket ofthepipe.Aswaterflowsupwarditdrawsin
morewateratthe
bottomofthepipecreatingasuction.This
pullsthefinermaterialupwiththewater,
cleaningthebottom.Pros&consofthis
methodofbasecleansing?

46
 4.4ReinforcementcagePlacement*
a) Generally, main longitudinal reinforcement, As= 0.5% to 0.25% (BS EN 1536, Cl
7.6.2.2) or more if designed as tension pile or large lateral is anticipated. The
minimum main reinforcement shall be 4 bars (ribbed bars) of at least 12mm and the
spacing between bars or bundles shall be 100mm to maximum 400mm and evenly
spaced. Actual As required depends on tension or lateral loads or moment on pile due
to ground movement, etc.
b) Lateral helical or transverse reinforcement should be at least 6mm or one quarter of
the maximum diameter of the main longitudinal bars at 100mm to maximum 300mm
spacing
c) BS EN 1536 also recommends that minimum concrete cover to reinforcement should be
minimum 75mm when the bored piles are constructed without a (full) casing, etc. The concrete
cover may be reduced to 40mm to the external face of a permanent casing or lining where used.
d) Cover to reinforcement usually is about 75mm in dry holes, non-aggressive subsoil & grade of
concrete >35 is used. For wet holes cover should be 75mm to 125mm or moderate aggressive
subsoil in dry holes. For aggressive subsoil in wet holes, special treatment by specialist is
required. How to verify the cover at site?
e) AASHTO (2007) recommends that normally As should be 1% to 2% (mainly for bridges,
retaining walls and for slope stabilization), but may be 3% in high seismic zones or high lateral
load sites (soft ground/unstable slope).
f) For piles to be selected for PDA tests, full length reinforcement is required. Force induced on
pile head by hammer is preferred >2Qd by hammer weight as heavy as possible (1% to 2% of
2Qd) & drop height as low as possible (<2m). The induced dynamic compressive stress (fc) &
tensile stress (ft) should be checked by WEAP or Broms method to ensure they are within the
permissible limits.

SupervisionofReinforcementCagePlacement
Whatarethepurposesofreinforcementcageforboredpiles?
Requirementsofminimumamountofreinforcement(barsize&spacing)
asperBSEN1536?
Requirementsofclearspacingoflongitudinalrebarsandtransverse
bars?Requirementsofreinforcementcage?
Whatarethegoodconstructionpracticeforfabricationandplacement
ofreinforcementcageforboredpiles?
Whatshouldbethecovertothemainreinforcementbarsinaggressive
&nonaggressiveground?Howtoensuretherequiredcoverisachieved
atsitetoensurethecorrectcentralpositioninthehole?Min3spacers
perlevelatabout3mverticalintervals.
Whatarethecommondefectiveconstructionforfabrication&
placementofreinforcementcage?Notadequatelytiedbywireswhich
becomedusty&brokenafterlefttoolongatsite.Inadequatestiffdue
totoosmallrebars.Toocloudedwithnetspacinglessthan100mm
holesatlappingwithoutusingpropercouplers.Rebarscontaminated
withoilandsoil.Effects&consequencesofthethesedefects?
Mitigations?
Effectsofsonicloggingpipes(3to5nosofsteelpipesofabout40mm
diameter)toreinforcement?

47
Spacersshouldbedurablematerials
suchasplasticringsoratleastgrade
35concreterings.Atleast3spacers
perlevelspacedat<3mvertically.
Qualityrequirementsforspacers?

Howtoensure
thereinfcage
isconcentric
withinthe
casingwiththe
necessary
cover?Pile
position?

48
Improperassembly&handlingofrebarcage.Howthesecanaffect
boredpileperformance?

Unlessotherwisespecifiedbydesigntocaterforgroundmovement/
tension/bending,etc.,theminimumamountoflongitudinalreinforcement
asrecommendedbyBSEN1536shallbeasinthefollowingTable:

Toomuchsteelcandomoreharmthangood.Why??Openingorspacingbetweenrebars
shouldbeasbigaspossiblebutnotmorethan400mm.Why?
AASHTO(2007)recommendsthatnormallyAs shouldbe1%to2%(mainlyforbridges,retaining
wallsandforslopestabilization),butmaybe3%inhighseismiczonesorhighlateralloadsites
(softground/unstableslope).
Forboredpilessubjecttocompression,theminimummainreinforcementbarshallbe0.5%of
thepilecrosssectionarea&shallbenotlessthan10mlongbelowthecutofflevel(SS
CP4:2003).Why?
Nominal pile cross section, Ac Minimum area of longitudinal reinforcement, As

Ac<0.5m2 (or pile diameter, D>0.8m) As>0.5%Ac

0.5m2 <Ac<1.0 m2 As>0.0025 m2

Ac>1.0 m2 (or pile diameter, D>1.2m) As>0.25%Ac

49
 PracticalminimumAs isnormally0.5%forboredpilesinstablegroundwithnegligiblebending
andtension.Onlydeformedrebarwithfy>410MPashouldbeusedifbentonite/clay/polymer
slurryisusedtostabilizedrilledshafts.Rebarsshouldbebundledifnecessarytoensureclearnet
holesofmorethan100mmx200mmtoenableconcretetoflowoutthereinforcementcageor
spacingofrebars(main&transvers)shouldbe10to20timesthemaximumaggregatesize.Cover
forreinforcementrecommendedbyAASHTOforW/C=0.4to0.5concreteforboredpilesof1m,
1mto1.5m&>1.5mshouldberespectively75mm,100mmand150mm.IfW/C>0.5,thecover
shouldbeincreasedby20%.ThisisbecausehigherW/Cwillresultinhigherconcrete
permeability&moreshrinkage.
Joints/couplersinreinforcementbarsshallbesuchthatthefullstrengthofeachbariseffective
acrossthejoint.Reinforcingbarsshallnotbeweldedatornearbends,butspotweldingis
permissible(BSEN1536).
Thereinforcementcagesshallbesuchthatthecagescanbeliftedandinstalledwithout
permanentdistortionandthatallbarsremaininthecorrectposition.
Toensuretheconcentricpositionofthereinforcementcageandthenecessaryconcretecover,
properspacers/centralizersshallbearrangedsymmetricallyaroundthecagewithatleast3
spacersateachlevelandlevelintervalsofnotmorethan3m.Spacersshallbedesignedand
manufacturedusingdurablematerial(plasticoratleastgrade35concrete).
Thereinforcementshallbeinstalledandplacedintheboreholeassoonaspossibleafterthe
cleaningofthepilebore.Theinstallationofthereinforcementhastoprovideforitsalignment
withthepileaxisandmaintainthecorrectconcretecoveroveritsfulllength.Duringconcrete
placement,thereinforcementlevelshallbemaintainedtoprovidethespecifiedprojectionabove
thefinalcutofflevelwith0.15maccuracy.

50
 SizingHoopassembly(fromLCPC,1986)

4.5.Concreting
a) Justbeforeconcreting,howtheborehole&baseshallbecleansedasspecified?
b) Whatshouldbethedesiredpropertiesforconcretemixforboredpiles?
c) Usuallygrade35to45concreteisspecified.Minimumcementcontentrequired
is325kg/m3&400kg/m3 fordryholes&tremieconcretingrespectively.
Allowablecompressivestressfca=0.25fcu,butfca usuallydiscountedabout20%
foruncertaintyintremieconcreting(CPforFoundations(2004),HK).Other
concretepropertiesspecified:W/C=0.4to0.5withslump150mmto250mm&
withsuperplasticizer.Forlarge&longboredpilesorconcretingtakingmore
than2hrstocomplete,retarderadmixturemaybeneededtoensureslumpof
theconcretenearthebaseremainsmorethan100mmattheendofconcreting.
Why?
d) Criteriaofcleanlinessofbase;50%ofbase<12mmsedimentsandmaxdepthof
sediments<38mm(SCDOT).Howtocheck?
e) ConcretingASAPafterreinforcementplacementnbasecleansing.Concreting
shallbecompletedwithin2hrsunless?Tremiepipeof150mmto250mmshould
beusedandminembedmentoftremiepipeinfreshconcrete>3mormini2m
abovehydrostaticpressure.Concreteflowshouldbepositive&continuous.
Tremiepipeshouldbesmooth,clean,watertightandwithamplestrength.Why?
f) Whatarethecommondefectiveconcretingforboredpilesrelatedtotremiepipe?
Consequence?
g) Whataretheusualmethodstoassessanddeterminedefectiveorpoorquality
concrete?Howtocheck&controldefectiveshaft(overbreak,contamination,etc)
fromconcreting?

51
 4.5 Concretingcont.*
Whatismeantbyzerodefectconstructionofconcreteplacement?Worksspec
requirements?Commonmalpractice&shortfalls?Mitigations?
Usuallygrade35to45concreteisspecified.Minimumcementcontent
requiredis325kg/m3&450kg/m3 fordryholes&submerged/tremie
concretingrespectively.Otherrequirementsandcharacteristicsofconcrete
mixforboredpilesthatshouldbedesignedandspecifiedorindicatedon
designdrawingsareasfollows:
Excellentworkability(slump>150mmto250mm);Selfweightcompaction;
Resistancetosegregation,bleeding&leaching;Controlledsetting;Good
durability
Concreteshallappear:
Tobehomogeneous&haveahighresistanceagainstsegregation;
Tobeofhighplasticityandgoodcohesiveness;
Tohavegoodflowability;
Tohavetheabilitytoselfcompact;and
Tobesufficientlyworkableforthedurationoftheplacementprocedure,
includingtheremovalofanytemporarycasings.

Whataretherequired/desiredqualityofconcretemixforboredpilesto
achievegoodperformance?TypesofQCtests?Defectivemix:bleeding,
noncohesive,segregation.Commoncausesforthedefects?

52
BaseGrouting:principles,purpose&applications,adv&limitations.Casehistories?
Commondefectiveconstruction/unreliabilityrelatedtobasegrouting?Scopeofdesign
validation?ReferDesign&ConstructionoftheSutongBridgeFoundationbyRobertB.
Bitteretal(2007),DFIJournalVol1No.1Nov2007.
Basegroutinginrocksocketmaynotincreasefsu&fbu ifthefractures/jointsareinfilledwith
sand/clay.Groutingcanincreasefsu&fbu ingravelly&sandysubsoils.

Forlarge&longboredpilesorconcretingtakingmorethan1.5hourstocomplete,retarder
admixtureshouldbeusedtoensureslumpoftheconcretenearthebaseremainsmorethan
100mmattheendofconcreting.Whythisisveryimportant?Howtochecktheconcreteis
suitablewithhighqualityfortremieconcreting?

Consistencyrangesforfreshconcreteindifferentconditions(BSEN1536)areas
follows:
Flow diameter range, Slump range, Typical conditions of use
mm mm (example)
460<D<510 130<H<180 Concrete placed in dry hole conditions
530<D<600 H>160 Placed by pumping or placed in submerged conditions
under water by tremie pipe
570<D<630 H>180 Concrete placed by tremie pipe in submerged
conditions under a stabilizing fluid
Note: The measured slump (H) or flow diameter (D) is to be rounded off to the nearest 10mm.

53
 Concretingshouldbecarriedoutimmediatelyafterthebaseiscleansed.Concretingshouldbe
continuousanduninterrupted.Records/measurementsofconsumptionofconcreteperunitdepth(in
1mto3mintervals)shouldbetakenandplottedwithdepth/locationoftemporarycasing&toeof
tremiepipeplusthetheoreticalconcretevolumetochecklocalizedcavitiesoroverbreak.
Whenthefinalcastingleveliswellbelowtheworkingplatform,thefreshconcreteshouldbe
protectedagainstcontaminationfromabovebyconcretingabovethecutofflevel(atleast0.5m),by
backfillingtheemptyborewithsuitablematerialorbymaintainingastabilizingfluidinsidetheempty
boreuntiltheconcretehasset.Casehistories?
Thetremiepipeshallbewatertightatallitsjointsandsmoothtoallowfreeflowofconcrete.The
internaldiameteroftremiepipeshouldatleast150mmor6timesthemaxaggregatesize(whichever
isthebigger),buttheOD(withjoints)nottoexceed0.6timestheinnerwidthofreinforcementcage
or0.35oftheinnerdiameterofcasing(Cl8.3.3).Thetremiepipeshallextendtothebottomofthe
pileatthecommencementoftheconcreting.Abungorplugofsuitablematerial,topreventmixingof
concretewithanyfluidinthetremiepipe,shallbeinsertedintothepipebeforecommencementof
concreteplacement.
Asthefirstbatch,acementenrichedmixorachargeofcementmortarmaybeusedtolubricatethe
tremiepipe.Toallowthefirstconcretetoleavethetremiepipe,thepipeshallbeliftedslightly,not
exceedingavalueequaltotheinnerdiameterofthetremiepipe.Placementshallthenproceed
quicklytofilltheentirebaseofthepilesothatnoconcretewhichmayhavesegregatedatthe
beginningofthedischargeistrapped.Duringsubsequentplacementthetremiepipeshallbe
withdrawnprogressivelyastheconcreterisesinthebore.Thetremiepipeshallatalltimesremain
immersedinunsetandworkableconcrete(min1.5mor>2.5mforpilediameterD>1.2m)whichhas
previouslybeenplacedandshallnotbewithdrawnfromtheconcreteuntilthecompletionofthe
concretingprocess.Tremiepipeshallnotbeextractedtooquicklyastheresultingsuctioncanleadto
pileimperfections.
Concreteshallbeplaceduninterrupted&continuouslyuntilconcreteatthetopofshaftisfreeof
water,soil&debris,&uncontaminatedconcreteextendstothetopofshaftelevation.

Howfsu ismobilizedinsand&clay?
Importanceoflateralpressureoffreshconcreteonthewallofboredpile;howit
canbeaffectedbyrebarspacing&slump.FHWA(2010)researchfindings.

54
 Ultimate friction, fsu=KsN
Local published values
1.Toh CT (1989) reported that Ks
varied from 5 for N<20 & as low
as 1.5 for N>200
2.Tan YC (1998) reported that
Ks=2.6 but fsu limited to 200 kPa
3.Neoh CA (1998) suggested
allowable fs for limestone
bedrock, fsa=300 kPa for
RQD<50%, fsa=600 kPa for
RQD=50-70% & fsa=1000 kPa
for RQD>70%
4.Chang & Broms (1991)
suggested Ks=2 with N<150
only.

Thisgraph(Brown,2002)showsthatbentoniteslurryhaslowestwhile
liquidpolymerslurryhashighfsu.Howbentoniteslurrycanreducefsu?

55
Definitionofvertical&horizontaleffectivestress.
Unitfriction,fsu=uxnormalstress

SlumpLosswithtimerelation(MONeill,1999)
Whyworkability/slumpoffreshconcreteisimportantfrombeginninguntil
completionofconcreting?

56
Cl.8.3.3Concretingundersubmergedconditions:tremiepipeshallbeclean,smooth&
watertight;ID>150mmor8xmax.aggregatesize;OD<0.35xIDofcasingor0.6xIDof
reinforcementcage.Abungorplugofsuitablematerial,topreventmixing&leachingof
concretewithanyfluidinthetremiepipe,SHALLbeinsertedintothepipebefore
commencementoftheconcreteplacement.
Thetremiepipeshouldalwaysbeimmersedintoconcrete>1.2mto2.5m(forD>1.2m).The
tremiepipeshouldnotbepulled/extractedtooquicklytoresultinsuctionthatcanleadtopile
imperfection.

Cl.8.3.3.12ofBSEN1536:Toallowthefirstconcretetoleavethetremiepipe,the
pipeSHALL beliftedslightly(<IDoftremiepipe).ThisistomitigatetheProblemof
leachedconcreteduetoexcessiveinitiallifting(fromLCPC,1986).

For water bearing sandy strata,

casing has to be in advance or
ahead of boring, otherwise cavity
may be formed if proper fluid
stabilization is not provided.

57
Good Concreting Practice: Defectiveconcreting
ASAP after placement of
reinforcement cage, concreting
should be completed within 2 hrs.
unless approved with retarder to
ensure slump >100mm before
completion of concreting.
Tremie pipe should be smooth,
clean & watertight with ID>6x max
aggregate size or 150mm (min) &
OD (with joints)<0.35x inner casing
or 0.6x inner reinf. cage diameter.
Concreting shall be continuous &
uninterrupted. Concrete plug?
Tremie pipe embedment>3m.
Positive pressure.

Defectiveconcreting
Whatarethecommondefectiveconcreting?Causes?Howtoidentify&
assessdefectiveconcreting?Effectsondurability&performanceof
boredpiles?Mitigations?

58
How this can happen?
Cavities in bored piles; rebars
dislocated; poor concrete quality,
etc. These are common defects &
risks for bored piles.
Need to be aware of the potential
existence of the problems; need to
understand how these can happen;
factors that can contribute to these
problems; how to verify, detect &
assess these problems. If the
problems are encountered, how to
rectify?

How to prevent & detect

necking? Factors that can
cause such problems?
Possible consequences? How
to assess & detect?
Remedy? Mitigations?
-Based on SI results to identify
potential strata for bored shaft
collapse
-Provide casing/polymer, etc. ? Refer
case histories.

-Good construction practice;

Supervision by qualified engineer;
check by concrete consumed/m,
inspection through excavation (<4m
deep), sonic logging, PIT (LSIT,
ASTMD5882) or coring, etc.
Remedies if detected?

59
 * How this can happen?
* Possible causes?
* How to detect & identify?
* Remedy?
* Mitigations?

Problems & ricks

of bored piles
socketed in
limestone bedrock

60
CommonDefectiveconcreting

61
Problemsofconcretingforlargediameter&longboredpiles.Why
concretingshallbecontinuous&uninterrupted?Problemsof
concretingwithmorethan1.5hrs?Problemsofusinggrade40
concrete?

62
1.Importanceof
preparation/measu
rementofdepth
volumeofconcrete
foreachborepile?
2.Howto
determineconcrete
levelinboredpile
duringconcreting?
Levelofcasing
shouldberecorded
eachtimethe
concretelevelis
determined.

63
 Cl.8.3.1.14: Itcanbenecessaryto
containthefreshconcreteinsoft
ground(cu<15kPa)alongapartor
wholeofthepilelengthbyinstallation
ofsacrificialliningorpermanentcasing

Cl.8.3.1.15: During concreting, the volume

placed & the level of concrete inside the
bore SHALL be checked & recorded (at
least once after every pour or before or after
a temporary casing is lifted)

64
 4.6PostinstallationTesting*
Twotypesofpostinstallationtests:INTEGRITYtestsornondestructiveteststo
evaluatethesoundnessorintegrityoftheconstructedboredpiles&LOADtests to
determinetheloadcapacityoftheboredpiles.
Astheperformance(structuralintegrity&capacity)ofboredpilesisverysensitiveto
construction,postinstallationtestingtoverify&validatethestructuralintegrity
conditions(35%)&capacity(12%)shallbeproperlyplanned&carriedout.Whatare
thecommontypesoftests&teststandards?Selectioncriteriaofpilesfortests?Test
resultinterpretation?Requirementsforpreliminary&workingpiletests?Local
practice?CPrequirements?EC7&SSCP4:2003recommendations??
Anydefectiveorfaultyconstructions,whichinvariablycanhappen,duringany
constructionprocessofboredpileinstallationwillresultindefectsinstructural
integrity,whichcanbechecked&verifiedbytestssuchascrossholesoniclogging
(CSL)byASTMD6760,LSIT/hammertest/shock/impact/sonicecho(ASTMD5882),
excavation(forshallowdepth),coring,etc.
Commontypesofloadtestforboredpiles:SLT/MLT,Bidirectionalloadtests(Ocellsor
Ccells),PDA/HSDPT,statnamicloadtest,etc.Applications&limitationsforeachtype
oftests?Teststandards?CPrequirements?Maximumtestload(MTL)forpreliminary&
workingpiletests?ProblemsofMTL>4000T?Seriousfoundationproblemsforsupports
ofkentledge.EC7&CP4:2003requirements??Why?Casehistoryoffailure?
CanBidirectionalloadtestsbeconsideredSLT?AdvantagesofBidirectionalloadtests
(Tcells,Ocells&Ccells)forloadtestsofboredpiles?

Qd=design working load

MLT=maintained load test
QMLT=quick MLT
CRP=constant rate of penetration
Classification of Pile Tests O-cell/C-cell=bidirectional load tests

Preliminary Pile Test (2.5 to 3 Qd) Working Pile Test (2 to 1.5 Qd)
(Design Validation) (Proof Tests)

Static Tests Dynamic Tests Pile Shaft Integrity Tests

Compression Tension Lateral Compression

Sonic Impact Test,
Sonic Logging Test,
MLT, CRP, PDA, Statnamic
QMLT, O-cell, C-cell

65
66
 MLTLOADTEST

PileLoadTesting*
Typesofloadtest:
a)SLT:CRP,MLT(ASTMD1143forcompression,D3689fortension,D3966forlateral).
b)PDA/HSDPT (ASTMD494512).
c)Bidirectionalloadtests(SSCP4:2003recognizesitasSLT).Referwww.YJACKpiletest.com
d)Statnamicloadtest
Applications&limitationsofthesetests?Teststandards?
CPrequirements:frequencyoftests?Interpretationofresults?
Howtoselectpilesfortests?Basis?Resultsoftestingarenoteverythingunless
theresultscanberepresentativefortheuntestedonesonsafeside. How?
Comprehensiveinspection&recordingfordrilling(pressure,rate/timing&
observationofwaterreturn/cuttings,etc.)&grouting(pressure,volconsumed,
etc.)areusefulguidestoselectrepresentativepilesfortests.
PDAshallbeconducted&interpretedbyDfi/FQAaccreditedtester(Advanced
Level).Compliancewithproperstandards(ASTMD494512)isimportant.Why?
ForpilestobeselectedforPDAtests,fulllengthreinforcementisrequired.Force
measuredonpileheadbyhammer>2Qdbyhammerimpactwithhammer
weightasheavyaspossible(1%to2%of2Qd)&dropheightaslowaspossible
(<2m).Theinduceddynamiccompressivestress(fc)&tensilestress(ft)should
becheckedbyWEAPorBromsmethodtoensuretheyarewithinthepermissible
limits.How?
Reportingformat/presentation&interpretationforresultsofpiletests?
WCGWinpiletests?CaseHistories?

67
 PileTesting
Importanceofscopeofinspection&recordsforselectioncriteriaofpilesfortests?
Designisnoteverythinguntilandunlessitisvalidatedbytesting,whichisalsonot
everythinguntil&unlesstheresultoftestingcanberepresentativefortheuntested
ones.
Wheninstrumentedtestpileshouldbecarriedout?Purposes?How?
Howtoidentify/selectboredpilesthatarelikelyhavestructuralintegrityproblems(with
particularreferencetosubsoilconditions,boringoperation,boredshaftstabilization
method,placementofreinforcementcage&concreting)?Whatarethegood
constructionpracticetomitigatetheseproblems?
Whataretheapplicable/suitablepileloadtestmethodsforboredpilesofsmallcapacity
(<300T),mediumcapacity(300to1000T),largecapacity(1000Tto2000T)&verylarge
capacity(>2000T)?
Whataretheapplications&limitationsforSLT/MLT(ASTMD1143),Bidirectionalload
tests(CP4,SS),StatnamicloadTests,LSIT/PIT(ASTMD588200)&HSDPT(ASTMD4945
12)?Teststandards?
PrinciplesforPDA?Applications&limitations?CanHSDPT/PDA(ASTMD494512)
replacestaticloadtests?Usualacceptancecriteria?Typicalproblems?Casehistories?
Whatarethecommondefects&errorsforpileloadtestmethodssuchasSLT/MLT,
Bidirectionalloadtests,StatnamicloadTests&HSDPT?Therequirementsoftest
standardscommonlyignoredOrnotfullycompliedwith?
Whatarethecommontricks&malpracticeinpiletestsforconventionalcontractwith
quantitiesremeasureable,directnegodesign&buildcontractwithfixedsumor
quantitiesremeasureable?Mitigations?
Howtodeterminetheultimateloadfromloadtestresults?
Whatisthemainuncertaintyofloadtestresults?

WhatisBidirectionalTesting?
Asacrificialjackingsystemiscastwithinthepile
body.Uponapplicationofload,thepileis
separatedatselectedbalancepointintotwo
sectionsandloadisappliedtobothsections
simultaneouslyandreactingagainsteachotherin
twodirections;upwardagainstupperskinfriction
anddownwardagainstbaseendbearingandlower
skinfriction.BDtestingdonotrequirereaction
beams,anchorpilesorKentledge.
SingaporeCP4:2003considersBDtestsasSLT.
Forlargeloadtest(Qd>2000Tormaxtest
load>4000T),bidirectionalloadtestisfaster&cost
savingisabout30%to50%whencomparedwith
conventionalMLT.
Referwebsite:www.YJACKpiletests.com formore
info&videosaboutbidirectionalloadtests.

68
 Bidirectionaltestingofpilesabriefhistory

TomerCell(Tcell)
PatentedtechnologyinEurope(1978)
Lesspopularworldwide
OsterbergCell(Ocell)
PatentedtechnologyinUSA(1989)
Popularworldwide
CapsuleCell(Ccell)
UpgradedfromTcell
PatentedtechnologyinChina(2007)
VerypopularinChinaduetoseveral
advantages

WhatisOcellandCcell?
Oil Sealed
Nozzle Capsule

Cylinder
Piston

Ocell
The loads are applied by using Mechanism1
hydraulic jack units. Need thick Concreteatpile Startpumpingtheoil
MS plate due to high pressure. bodyisintact intothecapsule

Mechanism2
Concretewillsplitat Oilfullyoccupythe
splitzone capsule
Ccell
Theloadsareappliedbyusing Mechanism3
hydrauliccapsuleunits.Need Pilebodysplitto Highpressureoilwill
thinMSplateduetolow sections openupthecell
pressure

69
 CcellSetupDiagram
(Ccellsupperpressjacksshouldbeplacedatbalancepoint)

Reference Beam
Data Acquisition System or SLPBT
Dial Gauges or LVDTs
Telltale for Pile Top
Telltale for Ccell Top Movement
Telltale for Ccell Bottom Movement
Hydraulic Pump & Pressure Gauge

Howtolocatethe
balancedpoint?

Ccell Super Press Jacks

70
 LoadingProcedure&acceptancecriteria(JKRpractice)
1stcycletoWLin4increments&unloaditin4decrement.
2nd cycleto2WL(Qm)in4increments&unloaditin3decrements.
Incrementsofloadnotapplieduntilrateofsettlement<0.05mmin
30min.Qmshallbemaintainedforatleast6hrs.Srestaken(after
removalofQm)tillatleast1hr.(Section10ofJKRStandardSpecfor
RoadWorks:2010)
Acceptancecriteria:
Sres<D/120+4or12.5mm,whicheveristhelower.
SWL<12.5mm
S2WL<38mmor10%pilesize,whicheveristhelowervalue.
BasisfortheaboveloadingsequenceandinterpretationofSLT
results?
Maxtestload(Qm)shallbetillQuor2.5to3.0timesthedesign
workingload(WL)forpreliminaryloadtests&2to1.5timesfor
workingloadtests(SSCP4:2003).Basis?

LoadingProcedure&acceptancecriteria(HKpractice)
1stcycletoWLin2increments&unloadit.
2nd cycleto2WL(Qm)in4increments&unloadit.
Incrementsofloadnotapplieduntilrateof
settlementorrecovery<0.05mmin10min.Qmshall
bemaintainedforatleast72hrs.Srestaken(after
removalofQm)<0.1mmin15min.
Acceptancecriteria:Sm<QmL/ApEp +D/120+4&
Sres<D/120+4or.25Sm
Basisfortheaboveloadingsequenceand
interpretationofresults?
InMLT,loadsshouldbemaintainedconstantateachofatleast6stagesfora
specifieddurationanduntildisplacement<0.1mm/20minutes (BSEN1536,Cl
9.3.2)

71
 5. Works Specification
Purposes&scopeofstandardworksspec&addendumspec?Materials
requirements(stabilizingfluid,casing,reinforcement,concretecover&corrosion
protection,centralizers,coupler/joint,concretemix,etc)?Constructionworks
requirements(boring,shaftstabilization,placementofreinforcementcage,
concreting,grouting,etc)?AcceptabletypesofQCtests/design
validation/performancetesting&acceptancecriteria?Typesofworksspec?End
productorproceduralorboth?
Design&constructioncontrols?
Construction/boringmethods:acceptabletypesofboringrigs&drilltoolstosuit
specificdesign,site&subsoilconditions,constructiontechniques(cased,uncased
orstabilizingfluidorcombination),Recorddetailsrequired?Types&frequency
ofQC?
Reinforcement:construction&technicalrequirements?Types&frequencyof
QCtests/checks?Scopeofinspection&records?
Concreting:suitableconcretemix/types&requiredproperties,Types&
frequencyofQCforconcretemix?Concretingmethod&QCtests/checks.Record
detailsrequired?
Postinstallationtesting:acceptabletypes&methodsoftestsforstructural
integrity&performance/capacityconditions.Interpretationofresults&
acceptancecriteria,etc.

72
 5.WorksSpecificationforBoredPileConstruction
Generally,speconlytellsustodothis&todothatbasedonresearches&experiencesof
experts.Asupervisorhastofindoutthebasis&tounderstandwhyneedtodothis&to
dothat.E.g.Acceptancecriteriaforbentoniteslurry&loadtests,etc.
Basiccontentsofspecforboredpileconstructionare:
Worksdescription:thescopeofworksinvolved
Generalrequirementsforsettinguptolerance,records,methodstatement,etc.
Materialrequirements&QCforconcrete,reinforcement(coupler,spacer),
permanent/temporarycasing,bentonite&biodegradablepolymerslurry,etc.
Boringoperation.Requirementsformachine&tools,workmanshipforsize
/depth/verticality,records/logsofsubsoilconditions,drilledshaftstabilization
requirements,basecleaning&inspection,etc.
Constructionrequirementsforplacementofreinforcement&concreting
Requirements&acceptancecriteriaforpostinstallationtestingforintegrity&capacity
Specifications,shouldnotneedlesslyrestrictcontractorsintheirchoiceofborerig,drill
tools,equipmentorconstructionmethod,butContractorschoiceshouldmeet
workmanship&quality/performancerequirementsspecified.Toachieveacosteffective
project,thespecificationsmustpermitasmuchflexibilitytothecontractoraspossible,
withintheconstraintsoftheprojectandtheexistingsiteconditions.E.g.?

Asupervisorhastobewellversedwiththeworksspecification&
hasthetechnicalknowhowtocarryoutthetests/measurementsor
atleastknowwhatisright&whatiswrong.

ConstructionTolerances Thespecificationcontainsalltheallowable
shafttolerances,suchaslocation,verticality(plumbness),cutoff
elevation,rebarstickup,anddiameter.Failingtomeetthese
toleranceswillresultinarejectedshaft.
DrillingandExcavationMethods Thespecificationcontainsthe
allowableproceduresforthedifferentshaftdrillingmethods.Theyalso
providetherequirementsofeachprocedure.Thecontractormust
adheretotheserequirementsoronceagaintheshaftcouldbe
rejected.
Rebar,ConcretePlacement,andTemporaryCasingRemoval The
specificationcontainstheallowableproceduresandrequirementsfor
theaboveoperations.Again,thecontractormustadheretothese
requirementsorriskrejectionoftheshaft.
Thespecificationalsocontainsadditionalmiscellaneousinformation
onshaftrequirementsthatthesupervisorshouldbecomefamiliar
with.Agoodworkingknowledgeofthespecificationisessentialin
properboredpileordrilledshaftconstructionmonitoring.

73
 BoredPileConstructionDisputesduetoSpec
Problemsofonlystandardspecofboredpileconstructionisincludedin
Contractdocumentwithoutaddendumspectosuitthespecificdesign
requirements,site&subsoilconditions.Typicalexamples&case
histories?Contractualimplications&constructiondisputesofstandard
spec(withoutdesigninput)suchasappropriateboringplant&tools
shallbedeployed,suitableboredshaftstabilizationmethodshallbe
used,grade40concreteofhighslumpofmorethan150mmshallbe
used,rocksocketshallbeconstructedbyapprovedmethod,bored
holeshallbefullystabilizedbytemporarycasing,etc.
ConstructiondisputeaboutAllboredpilesshallbe1mdiameter&the
boredholeincludingrocksocketshallbenorlessthan1m
Constructiondisputesrelatedtopropertydamagesofnearbybuildings
Constructiondisputesrelatedtoboring,placementofreinforcement&
concreting.
Constructiondisputesrelatedtomethodstatement.
ContractualimplicationswhenContractorsubmitsmethodstatement
duringtenderstageforEngineersdesignTender.

6.Miscellaneousissues
Shouldboredpileconstructionbecompletedwithinthesameworkingday
(<24hrs)?IncasetheContractortakesmorethanonedaytocompleteduelow
capacityofboringrig&poorqualityofdrilltoolsormachinebreakdown,what
shouldsitesupervisorsdo?
RocksocketconstructedistypicallysmallerthantheIDoftemporarycasingby
about150mm,whichisobviouslysmallerthanthedesignrocksocket
diameter.Isitacceptable?Shoulditbecompensatedforfrictionalareaby
equivalentdeepersocket?
Canboredpilesbeconstructedinrakesay1:5(V)totakelateralloads?What
aretheconstructionrequirementsneededtobemetwhenconstructingraked
boredpiles?
Ifendbearingofboredpileinrocksocket(moderatelyweatheredgranite)is
considered(fbu=10,000kPa),whataretheprecautions&teststhatneedtobe
carriedouttovalidatethedesign?
Whataretheproblems&mitigationswhenconstructingrocksocketininclined
bedrock&pinnacledbedrocksuchaslimestone?

74
 6.1CommondefectiveconstructionforBoredpiles?
No problem is a big problem. Why? Important to be aware & understand
the construction problems (mainly due to unexpected subsoil
conditions)& principles involved. Effective mitigations?
1. Boring problems: Old & low capacity of boring rigs &/or worn out or
poor drill soil/rock augers/bucket that take >6hrs to complete boring.
Contract/Spec/CP requirements? Contractors contractual obligations?
Consequences?
2. Improper drilled shaft stabilization method & procedure to take care
the hole collapse problems in treacherous & collapsible strata have
resulted in low fsu & integrity problems. CP/Spec requirements?
Contractors contractual obligations? Consequences?
3. Inadequate or poor base cleaning method has resulted in low fbu and
structural integrity problems. How to check? CP/Spec requirements?
Contractors contractual obligations?
4. Reinforcement cage is not properly fabricated resulting in excessive
deformation & loosening of rebars, improper cover & localized small
spacing (<100mm), etc. CP/Spec requirements? Contractors
contractual obligations? Consequences?
5. Poor concreting technique such as pulling temporary casing without
adequate fresh concrete head, etc., may result in integrity problems. CP/Spec
requirements? Contractors contractual obligations? Consequences?

6.2 BORED PILE INSTALLATION CHECKLIST

Role of R.E.
Inspect & ensure conformity with Spec & drgs
Record all construction process & report any variation or non-
conformity to the designer .
Technically well-versed with drawings, specs, BQ & design concepts,
mitigations against WCGW at site, etc.
Pre-construction controls
Check spec, installation procedure & scope of inspection & records.
Check & approve method statement
List of record items & what can go wrong list plus mitigations
Check construction quality/workmanship
Inspection & QC tests for materials & products, boring operation, shaft
stabilization, base cleaning, placement of reinforcement cage &
concreting. Refer Spec for good practice & acceptance criteria?
Pile installation, termination & acceptance criteria. Basis?
Check performance criteria/quality
Pile tests to check capacity, settlement & structural integrity
Test standard/spec/process, method & acceptance criteria
Interpret test results & make decisions
Prepare as-built drawings, report, etc.

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 6.3:ComparisonofMicropile&Boredpile
Micropiles Bored Piles
100mm to 300mm diameters with slenderness 600mm to 3m diameters with slenderness
Common sizes
ratio up to 220. Axial capacity = 200 to 2500 ratio < 80. Usual axial capacity = 1000 kN
& capacity kN. (Qstru = 0.4fcu Ac + 0.47 fyAs) 65000 kN. (Qstru = 0.25fcu Ac to 0.2fcuAc)
Steel pipe or rebar (single or bundle), fy= 250
Reinforcement to 550 MPa. 2-8% steel. Rebar cage. Usually 0.25 1%.steel
Small drilling machine to flush out cuttings or Large boring machine (torque = 20 300
debris by compressed air or water with kN.m or more) using soil/rock auger or
polymer or bentomite. Casing is required in bucket to take out the cuttings/debris. Casing
Drilling / collapsible strata. Classification of drilling: is required in collapsible strata or use
boring Single tube advancement by wash boring or bentonite or polymer slurry or water to
rotary percussion, Rotary duplex, Rotary stabilize drilled shaft.
percussion concentric /eccentric duplex & Boring machine capacity is classified
double head duplex. according to BHP/ torque, crowd & WT, etc..
Cement grouting method : normal tremie gravity, Fresh cohesive concrete with w/c < 0.5 with
injection with grouting pressure of about 1 to superplasticizer & slump = 150 250 mm,
10MPa with packers or tube-a-Manchette/ cement content > 400 kg/m3 for tremie
Grout /
secondary /post grouting. concreting. Concreting shall be uninterrupted &
concrete Grout mixture: w/c < 0.45 with admixture to high slump property shall be maintained
ensure flow (< 15 sec) & bleeding < 1% & fcu > (>100mm) before concreting is completed.
30Mpa. Sand can be added if size>200mm. Retarder may be needed if concreting is >1.5hr.

For underpinning works to increase foundation

As structural foundation for large, heavily
capacity & to arrest settlement of existing
loaded structures or structures with large lateral
structures. As structural support for new
Applications structures in difficult constraint site & erratic
loads. As foundations for site where vibration
and/or high noise level are not allowed.
subsoil conditions. As dowels for creeping
Applicable to stabilize creeping slopes.
slopes/grounds), etc.

Low lateral load resistance unless the ground is Required large machine & big space to operate.
Limitations treated. Expensive generally. Difficult at site constraints.

6.4CommonShortfalls/lackings/inadequaciesinBoredPile
Design&Construction
1. Inadequate&unreliableSItoprovidereasonablyaccuratesubsoilprofile,
especiallythebondingstratumwithrelevantstrengthparameters.Critical
subsoilinfosuchasaccurategroundwaterconditions&unstablestrata
especiallyartesianpressuresarenotdetermined.Nochemicaltestresultsto
assesssubsoilaggressiveness.
2. Specificcriteriaofterminatingboring&groutingnotclearlystatedonDrg.
3. Incompleteworksspec.Acceptabletypesandrequirementsfordrillingand
groutingmethods&workssequencesnotclearlyspecified.Construction
requirements/QCforpilealignment&groutingnotclearlyspecified.
Frequency&acceptancecriteriaforQC/tests/measurementsnotspecified.
4. Incompleteconstructiondetailsforjoint,spacer,andanchoragetothepile
caporloadtransferdetails.
5. Criteriaofselectionofpilesfortestsnotdefined.
6. Inadequatescopeofdesignvalidationforthebondstrengthadopted.
7. Inadequatesupervision
8. Incompletemethodstatement,
9. incompleteconstructionrecords

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Somerecentresearchfindingsaboutboredpiledesign&construction

Relatedtoboringoperation.Whyboringshould
becompletedwithin6hrs.?BSEN1536
requirements?Puolos&KenFlemingsfindings?
Relatedtodrilledshaftstabilization.Pros&cons
ofeachmethod?
Relatedtoreinforcementplacement.Howspacing
ofrebarscaninfluencefsu?FHWA(2010)findings
&BSEN1536requirements?
Relatedtoinsituconcreteplacement.
Relatedtopiletesting

7.Q&A (Doyouhaveaquestioninmind?Icanthelpifyoudontask.Thedumbestquestion
isthequestionnotasked.)
1.Whataretherole&responsibilityofsitesupervision forboredpileinstallation?
2.Whatismeantbypropersitesupervisionofpilingworks?
3.Whatarethebasicqualification&experiencesrequiredforREtosuperviseboredpile
installation?
4.Whatarethemainpreconstructionchecksandinspectionforboredpileinstallation?
5.Whataretheimportantconstructionsequentialactivities/processesforboredpileinstallation?What
arethecommonproblemsofeachconstructionsequentialactivity?
6.Whatarethe3commonboredpileconstructionmethods?Applications&limitationsofeach
method?Whatarethefactorsinfluencingtheselectionofboredpileconstructionmethod?
7.Whatarethecommondrilledshaftstabilizationmethods?Applications&limitations?
8.Whatarethe3commonbasecleaningmethods?Applications&limitations?
9.Whatarethecommonmethodsofrocksocketconstructioninsoftweatheredrocksandhard
moderatelyweatheredrocks?
10.Whataretheimportantscopeofinspection,measurements&testingofquality&
workmanshipforboredpileboring,boredshaftstabilization,placementofreinforcement
cage&concreting?Scope&purposesofrecording?
11.Whataretheimportanttypesofteststoassessthestructuralintegrityofboredpiles?
Theirapplication&limitations? Whatshouldbethebasis/criteriaofselectionofpilesfortests?
12.Whataretheimportanttypesofteststoassesstheperformance(pilecapacity&
settlement)ofboredpiles?Theirapplication&limitations?
13.Whatarethecommondefectiveboredpileconstructionrelatedtoboring,boredshaft
stabilization,placementofreinforcementcage&concreting?Mitigations?
14.Whatarethecommonshortfalls/lackingofMalaysianREinvolvedinboredpile
construction?

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 7.Q&Acont.
15.Whatarethetechnicalrequirementsforboringmachine&boring
toolsforboringinsoil,IMG,softrock&hardrock?Basecleaningtolls?
16.Whataremeantbysqueezing,necking&caveinofboredshaft?
Factorsinfluencingtheseproblems?Mitigations?
17.Boredpilescanbedesignedtobeterminatedinsoil,rockand/or
incertainsuitablepenetrationdepth.Whatarethetypicalbored
pileterminationcriteriafor(a)Graniteformationwithabundant
boulders,(b)Residualsoilsofsedimentaryrockswithshallow
bedrock(<20m)&withveryhardsoilatshallowdepthorwith
bedrockatgreatdepth(>60m),(c)Softalluviumsunderlainby
loosetoverydensesilty/clayeysandatabout30mdeep?
18.Whataretheacceptablemethods,theirscopeofinspection&
acceptancecriteriaforrocksocketconstruction?Pros&consforeach
methodforsoft/weakbedrockrock(UCS<5MPa),moderatelystrong
bedrock(UCS=12to50MPa)&strongbedrock(50to100MPa)?
19.Whataretheimportantscopeofinspection,QCtests,acceptance
criteria&recordsforreinforcementcageplacement&concreting?
20.Whatarethecommontricks&malpracticeinboredpileconstruction?

7.CaseHistories
Casehistoriestobediscussedare:
Casehistory1aboutoverspecification(full
temporarycasingshallbeusedtostabilizethe
boredshaft).Bentoniteshallbeused.
Casehistory2aboutboringinrock.Noproper
specification/descriptionaboutboringinrockis
includedinContractdocument.
Casehistory3aboutMLTfailure&REdecision.
Casehistory4aboutinterpretationofMLT&HSDPT
results.
Casehistory5aboutbasegrouting.
Casehistory6 aboutmalpractice&
misinterpretationrelatedtoPDA/MLT.

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Importantchecklist&problemsforkentledgeMLTof2mdiambored
pilewithQd=3,500T?
MTL=3,200m3=15mx15mx15mconcreteblocks.
Coaxialloading&riskofcollapse/toppling?Costpertestton?Time
requiredtoarrangeblocks?Highbearingpressurefromsupportsof
kentledge(>700kPa)!

CanPDAbecarriedoutonlargeboredpilestocheckstructuralintegrity&capacity?
AccordingtoASTMD494512;planned,conducted&interpretedbyDFIaccreditedtestengineerwith
Advance/expertlevelcertification.Forcedonpilemust>MTL(2Qd);Hammerweight>12%MTLbut
drop<2m.

2mDiamboredpile,Qd=3500T.
Proposedhammer=75T,drop1.8m
to2.1m.CSX=24Mpa,FMX=7900T
CAPWAPAnalysisResults:
Qs=4250T,Qb=2500T,
MVT@Qd=12mm,
MVT@MTL=29mm

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 CommondefectiveconstructionforBoredpiles?
No problem is a big problem. Why? Because you may not be aware of the
problems. Important to be aware & understand the construction
problems (mainly due to unexpected subsoil conditions)& the
underlying principles involved. Effective mitigations?
1. Boring problems: Old & low capacity of boring rigs &/or worn out or
poor drill soil/rock augers/bucket that take long time (>12hrs.) to
complete boring. Contract/Spec/CP/BS EN 1536 requirements?
Contractors contractual obligations? Consequences?
2. Improper drilled shaft stabilization method & procedure to take care
the hole collapse problems in treacherous & collapsible strata have
resulted in low fsu & integrity problems. No QC tests. CP/Specs
requirements? Contractors contractual obligations? Consequences?
3. Inadequate or poor base cleaning method has resulted in low fbu and
structural integrity problems. QC & how to check? CP/Specs
requirements? Contractors contractual obligations?
4. Reinforcement cage is not properly fabricated resulting in excessive
deformation & loosening of rebars, improper cover & localized small
spacing (<100mm), etc. CP/Specs requirements? Contractors
contractual obligations? Consequences?
5. Poor concreting technique such as pulling temporary casing without
adequate fresh concrete head, etc., may result in integrity problems. CP/Spec
requirements? Contractors contractual obligations? Consequences?

Summaryofpresentation
1. Performance(structuralintegrity/durability,serviceability&capacity)ofboredpilesisverysensitive
bythemethodofconstruction.Duecare,skill&diligencebypilesupervisorsshallbeexercisedin
performingtheconstructionsupervision.Someexamplesillustratingthiscloserelationshipbetween
constructiontechniquesandboredpileperformanceinclude:poorbottomcleaningproceduresthat
mayconsiderablyreducetheavailablebaseresistance;prolongedexposureofthedrilledshaft
excavation(>6hrs)tobentoniteslurrythatmaygreatlyreducetheavailablefrictionresistance(fsu);
andfailuretomaintainastableshaftexcavationthatmayresultinvoidsorsoilinclusionsintheshaft
concreteandthatmaycompromisethestructuralintegrityofthecompleteddrilledshaft,etc.
2. Unlikedrivenpiles,wheretheresistancetodrivingorblowcountprovidesameansofassessingthe
loadbearingresistanceofeachdrivenpile,theproperperformanceofboredpilesreliesheavilyon
theconsistentandrepeatableapplicationoftheboredpileinstallationprocedures.
3. Accordingly,forboredpileinstallationspecifications,emphasismustbegivento:
QualificationsoftheboredpileContractorandkeypersonnelassignedtoboredpileconstruction,
Properplanningoftheworkthroughthepreparationandreviewofmethodstatement
Theapplicationofappropriateboredpileinstallationmethodsfortheanticipatedgroundand
groundwater&pressureconditionsasrevealedbyproperGI,
Useofexperiencedandknowledgeableboredpilesupervisionpersonnel(Consultant&Contractor),
Thoroughanddetaileddocumentationofallboredpileinstallationdetails&activities,
Carryouttrialshaftsandtestshaftstoverifydesignassumptions,aswellastoevaluatethe
Contractorsproposed/selectedmeansandmethodsofboredpileconstructionmethodincluding
typeofborerigs&drilltools,detailsofshaftstabilization,basecleaning,etc.
Integritytestingtoverifytherequiredstructuralintegrity,and
Clearlydefinedacceptancecriteriaandinstallationtolerances.

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 8.ConcludingRemarks
AlmostallhighrisebuildingsandheavystructuresinKlangValleyadoptbored
piles(0.5mto3mdiam)asthefoundations,mainlyduetocosteffectiveness.
Boredpilescanbeeasilysized&constructedinvarioussubsoilconditionstogive
largerangeofcapacity.Boredpilesexceeding2mdiameterswithdesigncapacity
>35,000kNarecommonespeciallywhentopdownconstructionfordeep
basementofhighrisebuildingsarerequiredandadopted.
Performanceofboredpileswithrespecttocapacity(fsu &fbu),settlement&
structuralintegritydependsnotonlyondesignbutalsoheavilyonconstruction.In
fact,defectiveconstructionrelatedtoboring,drilledshaftstabilization,base
cleaning,placementofreinforcement&concretingcancauseseriousstructural
integrityinadequaciesandcapacityproblemsashavebeenillustratedbythe
presentation.Propersupervisionaimedforzerodefectiveconstructionisthe
mandatoryrequirementbyCP,butcommonlyignored/violatedornotpaidwith
dueattentionbytheClient&thesupervisors,whomaynotbeawareoftheir
responsibility.
Boredpilesmaynotbesafe&reliableunlessitisproperlysupervisedtoensure
compliancewithCP,properlydesigneddrawings&specs.Supervisionisnot
everythinguntil&unlessthepilesareproperlyselectedfortestingtovalidatethe
design.Testingisalsonoteverythinguntil&unlessthetestresultcanbe
representativefortheuntestedones,ashasbeenexplained.
Effectivemitigationagainstdefectiveconstructionisqualitysupervisionplus
adequatescopeofdesignvalidation.Qualitysupervisionisaimedforzero
defectiveconstruction.
Whatcangowrongwillgowrongunlesseffectivemitigationisinplace.

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