Single or multiple O-cells® can be arranged on multiple levels to isolate strata of interest. A zone of interest can be isolated within the 2 levels of O-cells and zone specific data can be retrieved from mobilzing this section.
The multi-level O-cell can be used in production (proof tests) and non-production (preliminary test) piles either attached to the pile/shaft’s reinforcing steel cage or placed using a steel beam carrier frame. There are several advantages to using the O-cell method of load testing a drilled shaft, specifically when faced with some of the following site conditions; off-shore, a confined area, high loads, rock sockets or piles with deep cutoffs.
Since the end bearing and the upward shear resistance are measured independently, there is no guesswork in how much load was carried by each component. Testing is typically performed until the ultimate capacity in either shear or end bearing is reached, so the maximum unit loads can accurately be obtained. The addition of strain gages within the shaft/pile can help in determining the distribution of load throughout the shaft length. An O-cell load test also provides information about creep limit loads in shear and end bearing. As required, LOADTEST can provide, or assist you with preparing a complete report documenting the O-cell test data and results. We routinely provide the equivalent top load movement curve.
Click here to see a sample multi-level O-cell report
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