STATNAMIC THEORY

STATNAMIC THEORY

In STATNAMIC testing, solid fuel is burned within a pressure chamber. As the pressure increases, an upward force is exerted on a set of reaction masses while an equal and opposite force pushes downward on the pile. Loading increases to a maximum before unloading by a controlled venting of the pressure. Built-in instrumentation (load cell and laser sensor) record load and displacement during the entire STATNAMIC test.

During a STATNAMIC test, measured signals from the load cell and laser sensor are digitally recorded by TNO's Foundation Pile Diagnostic System (FPDS). Over 2000 values of load and displacement are recorded. Load versus displacement results are presented immediately on-site, as well as graphs of load, displacement, velocity, and acceleration versus time. Straightforward methods of analysis are provided through easy-to-use software to determine any damping or inertial effects. Load-deflection behaviour and the ultimate capacity of the foundation are clearly presented to the user.

STATNAMIC assembly is straightforward. All components are handled with a small hoisting machine. Reaction masses are sectional (2400 kg for the 5 MN, 8,200 kg for the 16 MN) and made of concrete, lead, steel, etc. Concrete reaction masses can be cast on-site and reused.