Importance of Choosing the Right Testing Method

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 127 views

Introduction

The foundation plays a crucial role in supporting buildings and transferring loads to the soil layer, which must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the structure and external loads such as wind and earthquakes. In the context of the construction of the Medan State University Postgraduate Building, the pile foundation was chosen as a solution to ensure the stability of the structure. The foundation must be designed to withstand the weight of the building itself, as well as other external loads, and a decrease in the foundation must also be within the limits of tolerance permitted to prevent damage or structural failure.

Pile Foundation: A Deep Foundation Solution

Pile foundation is one type of deep foundation that is commonly used in large construction projects. In calculating the capacity of the pile, there are various formulas that can be applied, and each of these formulas can produce different capacity values. This study aims to calculate and analyze the carrying capacity and decline from the mini pile group using data from several test methods, namely sondir, standard penetration test (SPT), and comparison with the results of the pile driving analyzer (PDA) test results.

Importance of Choosing the Right Testing Method

The results of the analysis showed that at a depth of 18.8 m, the capacity of the Ultimit (QU) carrying capacity for piles obtained from various different methods significantly. From the sondir test obtained a value of 98,225 tons, while from PDA data only 42.8 tons, and SPT data produced 83.885 tons at a depth of 18.45 m. The measured decrease also shows variations, where for the same depth (18.8 m), sondir testing records 6.67 mm, PDA 6.9 mm, and SPT 6.1 mm at a depth of 18.45 m.

Factors Affecting the Results of the Calculation

The differences seen in the results of the calculation of carrying capacity and decrease in pole between four sondir points, one SPT point, and the results of the PDA test can be caused by several factors. One of them is differences in the type of soil at the test site, which can affect the ability of the soil to support loads. In addition, the depth of the soil that is reviewed also plays an important role, because the nature of the soil can change with depth. Techniques and accuracy in the implementation of testing by operators are also a key factor that can affect the results.

Importance of Geotechnical Conditions in Foundation Design

This analysis shows the importance of choosing the right testing method and a deep understanding of geotechnical conditions at the project site. Taking into account the results of various methods, engineers can make better decisions in the design and implementation of the foundation, thereby ensuring the safety and stability of the building to be built. Through this research, it is expected to be able to provide further insight for developers and researchers regarding the optimal way in determining the carrying capacity and decrease in the foundation of piles, especially in the context of large projects such as the construction of post-graduate buildings in Medan State University.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis of carrying capacity and elastic decline in pile foundations is a crucial aspect of foundation design. The results of this study highlight the importance of choosing the right testing method and understanding geotechnical conditions at the project site. By taking into account the results of various methods, engineers can make better decisions in the design and implementation of the foundation, thereby ensuring the safety and stability of the building to be built. This research provides further insight for developers and researchers regarding the optimal way in determining the carrying capacity and decrease in the foundation of piles, especially in the context of large projects.

Recommendations for Future Research

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations for future research can be made. Firstly, further research is needed to investigate the effects of different soil types on the carrying capacity and decline of pile foundations. Secondly, the development of new testing methods and techniques that can provide more accurate results is necessary. Finally, the application of this research to other types of deep foundations, such as caissons and diaphragm walls, is also recommended.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the study only focused on the analysis of carrying capacity and decline in pile foundations, and did not investigate other aspects of foundation design, such as settlement and bearing capacity. Secondly, the study only used data from a single project site, and did not consider the effects of different project sites on the results. Finally, the study only used a limited number of testing methods, and did not consider the effects of other testing methods on the results.

Future Directions

The findings of this study have several implications for future research and practice. Firstly, the importance of choosing the right testing method and understanding geotechnical conditions at the project site is highlighted. Secondly, the development of new testing methods and techniques that can provide more accurate results is necessary. Finally, the application of this research to other types of deep foundations, such as caissons and diaphragm walls, is also recommended.

Conclusion

Q: What is carrying capacity in pile foundations?

A: Carrying capacity in pile foundations refers to the maximum load that a pile can withstand without failing or experiencing excessive settlement. It is an important parameter in foundation design, as it determines the safety and stability of the building.

Q: What is elastic decline in pile foundations?

A: Elastic decline in pile foundations refers to the deformation or settlement of the pile under load. It is an important parameter in foundation design, as it determines the safety and stability of the building.

Q: What are the factors that affect the carrying capacity and elastic decline of pile foundations?

A: The factors that affect the carrying capacity and elastic decline of pile foundations include the type of soil, depth of the pile, techniques and accuracy in the implementation of testing, and the geotechnical conditions at the project site.

Q: What are the different testing methods used to determine the carrying capacity and elastic decline of pile foundations?

A: The different testing methods used to determine the carrying capacity and elastic decline of pile foundations include sondir, standard penetration test (SPT), and pile driving analyzer (PDA) test.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of each testing method?

A: The advantages and disadvantages of each testing method are as follows:

Sondir test: Advantages - non-destructive, quick, and easy to perform. Disadvantages - may not provide accurate results, especially in soft soils.
SPT test: Advantages - provides accurate results, especially in hard soils. Disadvantages - may not provide accurate results in soft soils, and can be destructive.
PDA test: Advantages - provides accurate results, especially in soft soils. Disadvantages - may not provide accurate results in hard soils, and can be expensive.

Q: How can engineers ensure the safety and stability of the building by choosing the right testing method and understanding geotechnical conditions at the project site?

A: Engineers can ensure the safety and stability of the building by choosing the right testing method and understanding geotechnical conditions at the project site by:

Conducting thorough site investigations and geotechnical testing
Selecting the most suitable testing method based on the project site conditions
Analyzing the results of the testing method and taking into account the geotechnical conditions at the project site
Designing the foundation accordingly to ensure the safety and stability of the building

Q: What are the implications of this research for future research and practice?

A: The implications of this research for future research and practice are:

The importance of choosing the right testing method and understanding geotechnical conditions at the project site is highlighted.
The development of new testing methods and techniques that can provide more accurate results is necessary.
The application of this research to other types of deep foundations, such as caissons and diaphragm walls, is also recommended.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

The study only focused on the analysis of carrying capacity and decline in pile foundations, and did not investigate other aspects of foundation design, such as settlement and bearing capacity.
The study only used data from a single project site, and did not consider the effects of different project sites on the results.
The study only used a limited number of testing methods, and did not consider the effects of other testing methods on the results.

Q: What are the future directions of this research?

A: The future directions of this research are:

Further research is needed to investigate the effects of different soil types on the carrying capacity and decline of pile foundations.
The development of new testing methods and techniques that can provide more accurate results is necessary.
The application of this research to other types of deep foundations, such as caissons and diaphragm walls, is also recommended.