Slurry Walls / Barrettes

3 x 670mm O-cells mounted in a Barrette reinforcing cage Multiple O-cells® can be conveniently placed in series to test rectangular panel sections or can be located as necessary to test "T" shaped sections.

Loadtest has been engaged on several barrette projects and has developed an efficient, cost effective method for full scale static load testing of barrettes using the O-cell method.

Barrettes are often used as a single load carrying foundation element capable of sustaining very high loads. Full scale static loading from the top using traditional loading methods has often been impossible. Large loads and deep foundations are not a problem with bi-directional testing and the arrangement of the O-cells can be selected to evenly distribute the load across the barrette. Multiple O-cells are placed in series to test the rectangular panel sections.

Since O-cells can be placed at any vertical location within the cage, it is possible to measure load distribution for specific strata or foundation levels. Instrumentation may be installed which can also allow the stress distribution throughout the barrette to be determined. Multilevel loading arrangements can also be devised (the maximum test load mobilised in multilevel test barrettes has been over 220MN).

The O-cell method makes it possible to test the barrette when the concrete level is far below construction level. So, where the concrete of the barrettes is terminated at basement level, testing can take place from ground level, prior to excavation. This can be vital for preliminary testing in these circumstances to prove design.

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; a confined area, high loads, rock sockets or deep cutoffs.

Slurry Walls / Barrettes

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