Single Level Bi-Directional Static Load Test
The O-cell is a hydraulically driven, high capacity, sacrificial loading device installed within the foundation unit. As the load is applied to the O-cell, it begins working in two directions; upward against upper side shear and downward against base resistance and lower side shear (if applicable).
By virtue of its installation within the foundation member, the Osterberg Cell load test is not restricted by overhead structural beams and tie-down piles. Instead, the O-cell derives all reaction from the soil and/or rock system. End bearing provides reaction for the skin friction portion of the O-cell load test, and skin friction provides reaction for the end bearing portion of the test. Load testing with the O-cell continues until one of three things occurs: ultimate skin friction capacity is reached, ultimate end bearing capacity is reached, or the maximum O-cell capacity is reached.
Each Osterberg Cell is specially instrumented to allow for direct measurement of the expansion so with compression and top of pile shaft measurements the downward end bearing movement and the upward skin friction movement are known. The addition of strain gages within the shaft/pile can help in determining the distribution of load throughout the shaft length.
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.
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.
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