ASTM D8169/D8169M-18 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under Bi‑Directional Static Axial Compressive Load — ASTM D8169/D8169M‑18 specifies field test methods using an embedded bi‑directional jack (O‑Cell or equivalent) to apply simultaneous upward and downward static compressive loads within a single deep foundation element (pile, drilled shaft, or barrette), and to measure axial displacement, side shear mobilization, and end bearing response for evaluation of pile capacity and load‑displacement behavior.

Abstract

This standard describes two primary field procedures (Procedure A: Quick Test; Procedure B: Extended Test) for bi‑directional static axial compressive loading of deep foundations using an embedded jack assembly. It defines apparatus, instrumentation, loading increments and hold/read times, data collection and reporting, interpretation principles for combining mobilized capacity above and below the jack into an equivalent pile‑top response, and notes on limitations and engineer approval for deviations. The standard gives requirements for units (SI and inch‑pound), safety considerations, and optional apparatus and configurations.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 2018 (designation D8169/D8169M‑18; effective/publication listed as Jan 1, 2018; ASTM listing updated Feb 13, 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee D18, Subcommittee D18.11 — Deep Foundations).
• ICS / categories: Earthworks / Foundation construction (ICS 93.020).
• Edition / version: D8169/D8169M‑18 (2018 edition).
• Number of pages: 13 pages.

Scope

These test methods measure axial displacement of a single deep foundation element when loaded in bi‑directional static axial compression using an embedded bi‑directional jack assembly. The procedures apply to driven piles, cast‑in‑place piles, barrettes and similar deep foundations and provide minimum field and reporting requirements; however, results may not represent long‑term behavior and engineers may specify additional requirements or limits for working (permanent) piles. The standard includes a Quick Test (Procedure A) and an optional Extended Test (Procedure B) and notes that bi‑directional tests may not fully mobilize resistance in all pile sections.

Key topics and requirements

• Bi‑directional jack assembly (embedded load cell / jack) installation, alignment, and grout/grouting/repair considerations.
• Procedure A (Quick Test) and Procedure B (Extended Test) loading schemes, incremental loads and hold/read times for displacement measurements.
• Measurement of axial displacement above and below the jack, calculation of mobilized side shear and end bearing, and derivation of an equivalent pile‑top load‑displacement curve (summing compatible mobilized resistance).
• Reporting requirements, units (SI and inch‑pound treated separately), significant‑digits and rounding guidance, and the engineer’s responsibility to approve departures from the standard.
• Limitations and interpretation notes — bi‑directional tests may under‑predict total axial capacity in some configurations; multiple jack levels or other arrangements may be needed for full mobilization.
• Quality and competence advisory — reliability depends on qualified personnel and suitable equipment (reference to related ASTM practices for testing competence).

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical engineers, foundation designers, specialty load‑test contractors, construction contractors, and transportation/owner agencies to verify pile capacity, inform design optimization (pile length/diameter/quantity), and provide quality assurance for permanent or test piles. Load‑test service providers (O‑Cell suppliers and operators) commonly apply this standard on large infrastructure, bridge, and heavy‑structure projects.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside D8169/D8169M‑18 include ASTM D1143/D1143M (axial static compressive testing at the pile top), ASTM D3689/D3689M (static tensile/withdrawal testing), ASTM D6760 (integrity testing of concrete deep foundations by ultrasonic crosshole), and ASTM D4945 (high‑strain dynamic testing); national and international codes and guidance (for example ISO and national pile testing guidance) may also be used for complementary requirements and interpretation.

Keywords

bi‑directional load test, O‑Cell, deep foundation, drilled shaft, pile load test, embedded jack, side shear, end bearing, displacement, field testing, load‑displacement, pile capacity.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D8169/D8169M‑18 is a test‑method standard that defines field procedures for performing bi‑directional static axial compressive load tests on single deep foundation elements using an embedded jack assembly to evaluate mobilized side shear and end bearing.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus and instrumentation, two loading procedures (Quick and Extended), data collection and reporting, units and rounding, interpretation guidance (including combining mobilized resistance above and below the jack), limitations of bi‑directional testing, and the engineer’s responsibilities for approving deviations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and foundation engineers, specialty pile load‑test contractors (including O‑Cell providers), construction contractors, and owner/agencies (DOTs, public works) use this standard for field verification of pile performance and for QA/QC and design validation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D8169/D8169M‑18 is the 2018 edition and is published/active; users should verify whether a later revision exists before specifying the standard in a contract. (ASTM listing shows the 2018 edition and an update entry in Feb 2018.)

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee D18's deep‑foundation test methods (volume/series for Soil and Rock standards) and is complementary to other pile test methods (D1143/D1143M, D3689/D3689M, D6760, D4945, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Bi‑directional load test, embedded jack (O‑Cell), pile capacity, side shear, end bearing, displacement, field testing, load‑displacement.