BENJAMIN R. BUENSUCESO JR., D. ENG.

37 Ilongot St., La Vista, Quezon City

Tel. 426-0528 Cell (0918)927-7876 email: brbuensuceso@yahoo.com

October 25, 2014

EURO TOWERS INTERNATIONAL INC.
EDSA corner Aurora Blvd., Cubao
Quezon City 1109
Attention:

Engr. Roy L. Estanislao

CDG-Director

Thru:

Engr. John Cris U. Lasangen

Project Supervisor

Subject:

Pile Test Report: Results of CAPWAP analysis, Evaluation and Recommendations

Project:

VIVALDI RESIDENCES DAVAO

C. M. Recto St. corner R. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City

Gentlemen:
Herein are the results of CAPWAP (Case Pile Wave Analysis of Pile Driving) analysis of the results of one
(1) high-strain dynamic pile load test (PDA) that was conducted by Dynamic Pile Testing Phils. (DPTP) on
October 8, 2014 at the above referenced project. The report also includes the evaluation/interpretation of
the results of the CAPWAP analysis and recommendations for pile bearing capacity, pile integrity and
safety factor.
It is understood that a Factual Report containing the complete results of the PDA test shall be submitted
separately by DPTP.
1

PILE DETAILS AND SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS

The PDA test was conducted on a reinforced concrete bored pile with 1.2 m diameter and 51.0 m length.
Pile details are given in Table 1. The specified working load is 2010 kN (205 tons).
Table 1
PDA
test
1

Pile details
Test pile
TPEURO

Diameter
(m)
1.2

Length
(m)
51.0

Working load
(kN)
2010 (205 t)

Date of
PDA test
10/08/2014

Target capacity for

PDA test
At least twice the
working load

Reference borehole BH-01 shows that the subsurface consists of loose silty sands within the upper 10 m
depth and stiff to hard silty clays at 10 to 80 m depth. The Standard Penetration Test resistance (N-values)
range from N=10 within the upper 39 m depth, N=20 at 39 to 51 m depth, and from 20 to greater than 50
below 51 m depth. The water level is at 1.0 m depth below the top of the borehole.
2

DETAILS OF PDA TEST

The dynamic test was performed using a Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) Model PAl manufactured by Pile
Dynamics, Inc. (PDI), with methodology and equipment in accordance with ASTM D4945 specifications.
The target test capacity was (at least) two times the working load (i.e., 2x2010=4020 kN).
Four (4) sets of reusable strain transducers and accelerometers were bolted at diametrically opposite faces
of the test pile to measure strain and acceleration and to obtain averaged axial results. Impact blows were
applied using a 10 ton (98 kN) drop hammer with 1.0 m drop height. Plywood cushion and a steel striker
plate were placed on top of the pile to prevent damage during impact loading. Field results of the PDA tests
are presented in Table 2.

BENJAMIN R. BUENSUCESO JR., D. ENG.

Geotechnical Engineering Consultant

Table 2

Field results of PDA test

PDA
Pile
Dia.
Length
LE*
LP*
Hammer drop
Pile set
RMX*
test
name
(m)
(m)
(m)
(m)
height (m)
(mm)
(kN)
1
TPEURO
1.2
51.0
50.7
50.5
1.0
No data
5373
*LE=length below gages; LP=penetration below grade; RMX and RSU=Case Method capacity with Jc=0.5

RSU*
(kN)
7672

In PDA testing practice, it is considered that full activation of the ultimate capacity occurs with permanent
pile set, s=D/120 or higher, i.e., s10.0 mm/blow for 1.2 m diameter. The pile set was not measured during
testing; however, the calculated pile displacement (DFN) given by the PDA showed that s<1 mm/blow.
Thus, it is deemed that PDA capacity is a lower bound estimate of the ultimate capacity.
The PDA uses the Case Method to calculate various quantities on-site, the results of which could be viewed
on the PDA monitor in real time after the application of each impact blow. The following parameters were
used for field monitoring: (1) wave speed, WS=3600 m/s; (2) elastic pile modulus, EM=32378 MPa; and
(3) specific weight of the pile, SP=24.5 kN/m3.
A plot of the PDA data (Blow No. 1) is shown in Appendix A together with the field quantities obtained
using the Case Method. The Case Method computes for the static pile capacity (RMX and RSU) by
applying an assumed damping factor (Jc) on the measured total dynamic pile resistance to the impact blow
applied. The RMX-method is applicable to piles with moderate friction and end-bearing, while the RSU
capacity applies to predominantly frictional piles. For Jc=0.5, RMX=5373 kN and RSU=7672 kN. More
accurate estimates of the pile capacity are obtained from CAPWAP analysis (see next section).
The PDA also assesses the pile integrity in the field using the pile integrity factor (BTA), with BTA=100%
for structurally sound piles, BTA=60 to 99% for defective piles, and BTA<60% for unacceptable/broken
piles. The pile integrity factor, BTA=85% with the location of an apparent defect (LTD) at 14.5 m, and
BTA=87% with LTD at 42.5 m. Further evaluation of the pile integrity is done using CAPWAP.
3

RESULTS CAPWAP ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS

Analysis of selected PDA data was carried out using CAPWAP (Case Pile Wave Analysis Programs)
modeling. CAPWAP is an iterative signal-matching technique that determines the most appropriate soil
and pile resistance model that would result to a good match between the computed and measured
force/velocity data.
The complete CAPWAP results are presented in Appendix B, including the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Measured force and velocity data for the blow that was analyzed.
CAPWAP computed and measured force and velocity curves (best match).
Calculated pile capacity (Rult), and distribution of skin (Rskin) and toe resistance (Rtoe).
Calculated pile capacity, including the distribution of skin and end-bearing resistance.
A simulated load-settlement curve based on CAPWAP analysis.

CAPWAP results are summarized in Table 3. The measured capacity (Rult) is 6400 kN, or 3.18 times
the specified 2010 kN working load. In PDA testing practice, a proven safety factor of 2.0 (i.e., the
measured PDA capacity divided by the design load or allowable capacity) is considered acceptable.
Table 3
Test
No.
1

Results of CAPWAP analysis

Pile
name
TPEURO

Dia.
(m)
1.2

Penetration
(m)
50.5

Working load
(kN)
2010

Rult
(kN)
6400

Rskin
(kN)
5402

Rtoe
(kN)
998

Safety
factor
3.18

The mobilized skin capacity is 84% of the total measured capacity. The unit skin resistance ranges from 0
to 57 kPa with an average of 28 kPa within the effective length. Meanwhile, the mobilized unit end-bearing
resistance is 998 kPa.
The estimated pile top settlement at the working load is 1.9 mm, i.e., within acceptable limits.

Page 2

BENJAMIN R. BUENSUCESO JR., D. ENG.

Geotechnical Engineering Consultant

The PDA test showed that the pile integrity factor, BTA=85 to 87%. For CAPWAP analysis, the theoretical
impedance (i.e., Z=EA/c=10737 kN/m/s, where E is the modulus, A is the area and c is the wave speed of
pile concrete) was used to model the pile concrete at the pile top, and Z=9800 to 11500 kN/m/s within the
effective length. It is deemed that the variation in pile impedance is within acceptable limits for bored piles.
Based on these findings, it is concluded that the pile integrity is satisfactory.
4

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The following conclusions are given based on the results of ONE (1) high-strain dynamic (PDA) test that
was conducted at the VIVALDI RESIDENCES PROJECT, C. M. Recto St., Davao City:
1.

The measured capacity (Rult) is 6400 kN, or 3.18 times the specified 2010 kN working load. In PDA
testing practice, a proven safety factor of 2.0 (i.e., the measured PDA capacity divided by the design
load or allowable capacity) is considered acceptable.

2.

The pile integrity is satisfactory and acceptable. No significant defects were found within the effective
length.

3.

Based on these findings, it is concluded that bored pile TPEURO passed the dynamic (PDA) load test.

BENJAMIN R. BUENSUCESO JR., D. ENG.

Consulting Geotechnical Engineer
Reg. CE 21824
PICE Geotechnical Engineering Specialist No. 005

Page 3

APPENDIX A

FIELD RESULTS OF PDA TEST

(CASE METHOD)

VIVALDI RESIDENCES DAVAO

C. M. RECTO ST., DAVAO CITY

(1 PDA TEST)

DATE OF TESTS: October 8, 2014

BRBJ - Geotechnics Philippines Inc

Pile Driving Analyzer

VIVALDIRESIDENCE

TPEURO

F (30000)
V (2.79)

A12 F12

TS: 204.8
TB: -0.7

WU (30000)
D (100)

SET=0.1 mm
TS: 204.8
TB: -0.7

87 @ 42.3 m
85 @ 14.5 m
Project Information

PROJECT: VIVALDIRESIDENCE
PILE NAME: TPEURO
DESCR:
OPERATOR:
FILE: TPEURO-1
10/8/2014 11:43:09 AM
Blow Number 1

Pile Properties

LE
50.7 m
AR 11309.73 cm^2
EM
36076 MPa
SP
24.5 kN/m3
WS
3800.0 m/s
EA/C
10737 kN-s/m
2L/C
26.60 ms
JC
0.50 []
LP
50.5 m

Quantity Results
RMX
RSU
CSX
TSX
EMX
FMX
BTA
DFN
FVP

5373
7672
8.7
2.0
25.0
9844
85.0
0
1.0

kN
kN
MPa
MPa
kN-m
kN
(%)
mm
[]

Sensors

F1: [F1] 105 (0.9)

F2: [F2] 101 (0.95)
A1: [A1] 1073 g's/v (1.05)
A2: [A2] 995 g's/v (1.05)
CLIP: OK

Version 2012.114

APPENDIX B

RESULTS OF CAPWAP ANALYSIS

VIVALDI RESIDENCES DAVAO

C. M. RECTO ST., DAVAO CITY

(1 PDA TEST)

DATE OF TESTS: October 8, 2014

Displacement (mm)

10.000

7.500

5.000

2.500

0.000

-5000

5000

10000

kN

2000

4000

Load (kN)

6000

8000

Ru =
Rs =
Rb =
Dy =
Dx =

VIVALDIRESIDENCE; Pile: TPEURO; Blow: 1 (Test: 08-Oct-2014 11:43:)

Benjamin Buensuceso Jr, D. Eng.

6399.9
5401.5
998.4
7.4
7.5

Pile Top
Bottom

Force Msd
Force Cpt

kN
kN
kN
mm
mm

L/c

125

ms

kN/m
kN

8000

6000

4000

2000

75

150

225

300

-5000

5000

10000

kN

Pile

ms

CAPWAP(R) 2006-3 Licensed to BRBJ - Geotechnics Philippines Inc

Pile Force
at Ru

L/c

125

Shaft Resistance
Distribution

Force Msd
Velocity Msd

26-Oct-2014
CAPWAP(R) 2006-3

VIVALDIRESIDENCE; Pile: TPEURO

Blow: 1
Benjamin Buensuceso Jr, D. Eng.

Test: 08-Oct-2014 11:43:

CAPWAP(R) 2006-3
CAPWAP SUMMARY RESULTS

Total CAPWAP Capacity:

Soil
Sgmnt
No.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

6399.9; along Shaft

Dist.
Below
Gages
m

Depth
Below
Grade
m

Ru

Force
in Pile

kN

2.0
4.1
6.1
8.1
10.1
12.2
14.2
16.2
18.3
20.3
22.3
24.3
26.4
28.4
30.4
32.4
34.5
36.5
38.5
40.6
42.6
44.6
46.6
48.7
50.7

1.8
3.9
5.9
7.9
9.9
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.1
20.1
22.1
24.1
26.2
28.2
30.2
32.2
34.3
36.3
38.3
40.4
42.4
44.4
46.4
48.5
50.5

0.0
4.9
9.9
14.8
2.5
3.2
3.8
34.4
110.1
197.9
252.4
262.1
253.3
256.7
276.9
300.8
322.9
340.9
351.7
358.7
371.4
391.9
412.8
428.8
438.7

Avg. Shaft
Toe

5401.5; at Toe

998.4

Unit
Resist.
(Area)
kPa

Smith
Damping
Factor
s/m

Quake

kN

Unit
Resist.
(Depth)
kN/m

6399.9
6399.9
6395.0
6385.1
6370.4
6367.9
6364.7
6360.8
6326.4
6216.3
6018.5
5766.1
5504.0
5250.7
4994.0
4717.0
4416.3
4093.4
3752.5
3400.8
3042.0
2670.6
2278.7
1865.9
1437.1
998.4

0.0
4.9
14.8
29.5
32.0
35.2
39.1
73.5
183.6
381.4
633.8
895.9
1149.2
1405.9
1682.9
1983.6
2306.5
2647.4
2999.1
3357.9
3729.3
4121.2
4534.0
4962.8
5401.5

0.00
2.41
4.86
7.28
1.24
1.58
1.88
16.97
54.29
97.57
124.45
129.24
124.90
126.60
136.55
148.31
159.21
168.10
173.42
176.89
183.15
193.25
203.54
211.46
216.32

0.00
0.64
1.29
1.93
0.33
0.42
0.50
4.50
14.40
25.88
33.01
34.28
33.13
33.58
36.22
39.34
42.23
44.59
46.00
46.92
48.58
51.26
53.99
56.09
57.38

0.000
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260
3.260

1.594
1.594
1.594
1.594
1.594
1.594
1.594
1.594
1.594
1.594
1.594
1.545
1.472
1.398
1.327
1.262
1.200
1.135
1.064
0.988
0.912
0.849
0.824
0.832
0.835

106.96

28.37

3.260

1.135

882.77

2.342

1.004

216.1
998.4

Soil Model Parameters/Extensions

Shaft

Toe

Case Damping Factor

Unloading Quake
Reloading Level
Unloading Level
Soil Plug Weight

(% of loading quake)
(% of Ru)
(% of Ru)
(kN)

1.640
96
100
5

0.218
30
100

CAPWAP match quality

Observed: final set
Computed: final set

=
=
=

Page 1

kN

Sum
of
Ru
kN

1.24
0.100 mm;
0.100 mm;

mm

55.43

(Wave Up Match) ; RSA = 0

blow count
=
10000 b/m
blow count
=
9999 b/m

Analysis: 26-Oct-2014

VIVALDIRESIDENCE; Pile: TPEURO

Blow: 1
Benjamin Buensuceso Jr, D. Eng.

Test: 08-Oct-2014 11:43:

CAPWAP(R) 2006-3
EXTREMA TABLE

Pile
Sgmnt
No.
1
2
5
8
11
14
17
20
23
26
29
32
35
38
41
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Absolute

Dist.
Below
Gages
m

max.
Force

min.
Force

max.
Tens.
Stress
MPa

max.
Trnsfd.
Energy
kJ

max.
Veloc.

max.
Displ.

kN

max.
Comp.
Stress
MPa

kN

m/s

mm

1.0
2.0
5.1
8.1
11.2
14.2
17.2
20.3
23.3
26.4
29.4
32.4
35.5
38.5
41.6
44.6
45.6
46.6
47.7
48.7
49.7
50.7

9792.4
9777.7
9684.3
9492.9
9486.3
9837.8
10265.0
10475.2
9466.3
9189.6
8240.5
8066.0
7004.3
6756.5
5727.6
5335.6
4607.8
4650.7
3853.1
3793.1
2860.7
2690.9

-263.6
-450.5
-1034.3
-1385.2
-1559.5
-1618.5
-1771.8
-1940.3
-1607.4
-1480.2
-1386.4
-1401.3
-1203.9
-1152.0
-1015.3
-944.5
-886.9
-832.4
-1008.0
-674.4
-572.7
-436.1

8.7
8.6
8.6
8.4
8.4
8.7
9.1
9.3
8.4
8.1
7.3
7.1
6.2
6.0
5.1
4.7
4.1
4.1
3.4
3.4
2.5
2.4

-0.23
-0.40
-0.91
-1.22
-1.38
-1.43
-1.57
-1.72
-1.42
-1.31
-1.23
-1.24
-1.06
-1.02
-0.90
-0.84
-0.78
-0.74
-0.89
-0.60
-0.51
-0.39

24.97
24.96
24.87
24.71
24.45
24.36
23.91
22.84
19.17
17.27
14.12
12.67
10.03
8.84
6.82
5.94
5.09
5.09
4.20
4.19
3.20
2.14

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.8
0.8
0.7
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.5
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.4

3.855
3.841
3.774
3.699
3.573
3.368
3.128
2.919
2.738
2.534
2.316
2.095
1.883
1.672
1.488
1.370
1.369
1.380
1.405
1.424
1.445
1.451

20.3
20.3

9.3

(T =
(T =

-1.72

27.5 ms)
44.8 ms)

CASE METHOD
J =
RP
RX
RU

0.0
0.1
0.2
10107.0 9160.2 8213.4
10107.0 9160.2 8213.4
11639.9 10846.4 10052.8

RAU =

0.0 (kN);

RA2 =

0.3
7266.6
7266.6
9259.3

0.4
6319.8
6319.8
8465.8

0.5
5373.0
5373.0
7672.3

0.6
4426.2
4426.2
6878.8

0.7
3479.4
3479.4
6085.2

0.8
2532.6
2532.6
5291.7

0.9
1585.8
1585.8
4498.2

0.0 (kN)

Current CAPWAP Ru = 6399.9 (kN); Corresponding J(RP)= 0.39; J(RX) = 0.39

VMX
m/s
0.91

TVP
ms
21.88

VT1*Z
kN
9731.0

FT1
kN
9844.0

FMX
kN
9844.0

DMX
mm
3.957

DFN
mm
0.104

SET
mm
0.100

EMX
QUS
kJ
kN
25.0 12304.5

PILE PROFILE AND PILE MODEL

Page 2

Depth
m

Area
cm2

E-Modulus
MPa

Spec. Weight
kN/m3

Perim.
m

0.00
50.70

11309.73
11309.73

36075.5
36075.5

24.500
24.500

3.770
3.770

Analysis: 26-Oct-2014

VIVALDIRESIDENCE; Pile: TPEURO

Blow: 1
Benjamin Buensuceso Jr, D. Eng.
Toe Area
Segmnt
Number

1
2
11
18
22
26
50

Test: 08-Oct-2014 11:43:

CAPWAP(R) 2006-3

1.131
Dist. Impedance
B.G.
m
kN/m/s
1.01
2.03
11.15
18.25
22.31
26.36
50.70

Pile Damping

10737.00
10737.00
9800.00
10737.00
11500.00
10737.00
10737.00

m2

Imped.
Change
%

Slack
mm

0.00
0.00
-8.73
0.00
7.11
0.00
0.00

0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000

2.0 %, Time Incr

Tension
Eff.

0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000

Compression
Slack
Eff.
mm
-0.000
-0.000
-0.000
-0.000
-0.000
-0.000
-0.000

0.267 ms, Wave Speed

0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000

Perim.
m

Soil
Plug
kN

3.770
3.770
3.770
3.770
3.770
3.770
3.770

0.00
0.65
0.65
0.65
0.65
0.65
0.65

3800.0 m/s, 2L/c

26.7 ms

STATIC ANALYSIS
Monotonic D-Toe, E-P R-Toe

Page 3

Step No.

Top Load
kN

Top Disp.
mm

Toe Load
kN

Toe Disp.
mm

0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
43
46
49
52
55
59
63

0.0
259.7
519.4
779.2
1038.9
1298.6
1558.3
1817.5
2075.8
2332.8
2587.5
2838.8
3085.3
3324.8
3555.3
3774.9
3983.6
4179.2
4364.7
4536.9
4697.9
4917.8
5113.8
5288.2
5443.6
5581.5
5738.9
5871.2

0.000
0.243
0.487
0.730
0.973
1.217
1.460
1.703
1.946
2.189
2.431
2.672
2.910
3.145
3.375
3.599
3.816
4.025
4.228
4.421
4.606
4.868
5.109
5.331
5.536
5.723
5.947
6.145

0.0
21.6
43.3
64.9
86.6
108.2
129.9
151.5
173.2
194.8
216.5
238.1
259.8
281.4
303.1
324.7
346.4
368.0
389.7
411.3
433.0
465.5
497.9
530.4
562.9
595.4
638.7
682.0

0.000
0.022
0.044
0.065
0.087
0.109
0.131
0.152
0.174
0.196
0.218
0.239
0.261
0.283
0.305
0.327
0.348
0.370
0.392
0.414
0.435
0.468
0.501
0.533
0.566
0.599
0.642
0.686

Analysis: 26-Oct-2014