Dynamic load testing products
Foundation load testing products offer an easy to use and cost-effective solution, that help to improve overall operational safety.
SIMBAT dynamic pile test system
SIMBAT is widely regarded as the most accurate high strain dynamic pile testing method available.
Suitable for both cast-in place and pre-cast piles, the SIMBAT technique was first developed in the 1980's before being further developed by JF Strainstall, and gained in popularity over traditional dynamic testing techniques.
The core differences between SIMBAT and more traditional dynamic load testing techniques are:
- A high speed optical / digital theodolite is used to record real-time displacement
- A series of high and low strain blows are used so reactions are determined without assuming soil damping factors
- Displacement data from the theodolite is used to correct accelerometer data
- Simulation model is based on accurate displacement rather than calculated velocity
These differences mean that SIMBAT has been independently rated as the most accurate high strain dynamic testing method available.
Dynamic pile testing is generally seen as a much quicker and more cost effective performance test than traditional static test methods.
Benefits of the SIMBAT dynamic pile testing system:
- Most accurate high strain dynamic testing method available
- Unique theodolite measures elastic and permanent displacement remotely
- Instant dynamic reaction and displacement readings
- Rugged and lightweight, hand-held acquisition unit
- Storage for over 700 results
- Backlit LCD screen for working in dark environments
All of our equipment is supplied fully calibrated to UK national standards.
| SIMBAT system specifications | |
| Acquisition unit | |
|---|---|
| Features |
Daylight viewable screen |
| Keypad | Sealed colour coded and full alphanumeric keypad, tactile and audio feedback |
| Operating temperature | 0 to +50°C |
| Display | Monochrome LCD transflective with backlight Contrast adjustable keypad Display area 122mm x 70mm Protective anti-reflective glass |
| Acquisition | 4 channel, 16 bit acquisition at 10KHz sample rate Pre-trigger, auto gain and auto balancing of strain gauges |
| Frequency range | 10KHz |
| Storage | 700+ results including data sets for force, acceleration, displacement per pile with full header information and date/time stamp |
| Connectors | Waterproof lemo type, each with unique configuration |
| Power | Battery: 1.2V NiMH rechargeable AA cells Auto power off and battery indicator |
| Battery life | 8 hours + operation on full charge |
| Charge time | Approx 6 hours |
| Charging | External wall plug-in adapter for 110-240VAC inputs (trickle charge) External cigar plug-in charger for 12-32VDC inputs (fast charge) |
| Dimensions | L 128mm x W 187mm x D 55mm |
| Weight | 1.35Kg |
| Theodolite | |
| Type | High speed optical theodolite with laser targeting and LED target illumination Measures elastic and permanent settlement |
| Battery | NiMH rechargeable, 6 hours + on full charge |
| Charger | External wall plug-in adapter for 110-240VAC inputs External cigar plug-in charger for 12-32VDC inputs |
| Accuracy | 0.14mm at 5m distance |
| SIMBAT sensors | |
| Accelerometers | 2No 5000g 'shock' type with ICP power supply |
| Strain gauges | 60mm foil type strain gauges |
The SIMBAT software is an easy to use Windows based platform for analysing results and producing reports.
Modules enable you to calculate the impedance of the pile test cap and pile shaft separately, as well as analyse each blow individually to determine dynamic reaction and displacement.
The software can present results in tabular format, as well as presenting the separation of forces curves and the predicated static load settlement plot.
An integral part of the SIMBAT software is a numerical simulation, whereby experimental signals are introduced into the programme and compared with theoretically generated signals. Skin friction and end bearing components of the pile / soil system can then be derived.
The SIMBAT method is based on the reproduction of waves in long elastic cylinders.
When the pile is struck with a falling weight the pile section is deformed (enlarged) and this enlargement travels down the pile to the toe where it is reflected back up. In a free, un-damped pile the particle velocity of the return wave would be identical to the original wave.
When the pile is surrounded and re-strained by soil, part of the wave is reflected back up at each and every external restraint, the remainder of the wave continues downwards. So at any one time there are both upwards and downwards forces and velocities in the pile.
The SIMBAT technique separates these forces and calculates the dynamic soil reaction, as the difference between the upwards force in a free pile and the real upwards force measured.
