A Peer Exchange and Review of Deep Foundation Testing Methodologies at Caltrans

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General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(263)
Former Study Number:
Lead Organization: Federal Highway Administration
Solicitation Number: 1321
Partners: CA, FHWA
Status: Cleared by FHWA
Est. Completion Date:
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Mar 08, 2012
Contract End Date:
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Suggested Contribution:
Total Commitments Received: $120,000.00
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Silas Nichols
silas.nichols@dot.gov
Phone: 202-366-1554
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Silas Nichols
silas.nichols@dot.gov
Phone: 202-366-1554
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name
California Department of Transportation 2012 $120,000.00 Nick Burmas Sang Le
Federal Highway Administration $0.00 Sarah Skeen Silas Nichols

Study Description

Caltrans has a history of adopting new technologies and methodologies to evaluate foundations on their construction projects; this is particularly true for deep foundations. Some of their current test methods, practices and procedures are to use both gamma-gamma logging (GGL) and crosshole-sonic logging (CSL) to accept cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH or drilled shafts) constructed in wet conditions. In an effort to keep with the tradition of adopting new technologies, Caltrans proposes this peer exchange and GGL data review as an opportunity to improve their practices.

Objectives

There are two objectives of this study; first to perform a peer review of the Caltrans Geotechnical Services Foundation Testing Branch (FTB). This review will evaluate current practices used to for deep foundations (piles) on Caltrans construction projects. Some of the current test methods, practices and procedures include gamma-gamma logging (GGL); crosshole sonic logging (CSL); pile load testing, Pile Driving Analyses ,Sonic Caliper Testing and Vibration Monitoring. Information to be reviewed includes current operational practices and procedures associated with managing the testing program, conducting the tests, and managing the analysis and reports generated for Caltrans projects. In addition to reviewing Caltrans current practice, the review will identify best practices and improvements that can be made to the current methodologies used to accept deep foundations. Included in this effort will be the identification of new technologies that should be considered by Caltrans for adoption. The second objective of this review effort is to be available to provide advice to the Department regarding their continuing effort of reviewing existing GGL data and to evaluate processes for adequacy.

Scope of Work

For the first objective in this study, the peer review panel consisting of both national and State DOT experts will be assembled to review Caltrans current test methods, practices and procedures for foundation testing that includes test methods used, record archiving, policy and procedure manuals used, training of staff and other relevant information that will facilitate the review so that best practices and recommendations for improvement can be identified. In addition to reviewing information, the panel will interview Caltrans and Industry staff from construction, structures construction, bridge design, and geotechnical services. The peer review panel will also draw on personal expertise and familiarity with the industry to make recommendations for new technologies and methodologies for Caltrans to evaluate and possibly adopt into practice. With regard to objective two, Caltrans is currently assembling a comprehensive set of existing GGL data. The analysis of this data will identify irregularities, strengthen the management of data integrity, and improve the current GGL data collection process. The peer review panel will review the methodology used for this Caltrans effort and be available to provide advice.

Comments

Benefits: Caltrans, and other states, will be able to improve the methods and procedures used to evaluate foundations constructed on their projects. This will improve the quality of deep foundations testing methods, practices and processes. Time Schedule: The first objective, the peer exchange, of this study will take place from February 4, 2012 to April 30, 2012. The target date for the final report is May 1, 2012. The second objective, GGL data analysis, will start on February 4, 2012 and is expected to take approximately six months. Deliverables: There will be a report that documents the review process and identifies best practices and recommendations for improvement that relate to the Caltrans Foundation Testing Branch and the practices used to both evaluate deep foundations and manage the overall testing and acceptance program.

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
July - September 2012 2012 9 24 TPF Quarterly Report.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2012-10-03
Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
Detailed Study Description: A Peer Exchange and Review of Deep Foundation Testing Methodologies at Caltrans Detailed Study Description - 2012 2 29 TPF FTB Foundation peer review.docx Other Other Public 2012-03-01

A Peer Exchange and Review of Deep Foundation Testing Methodologies at Caltrans

General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(263)
Lead Organization: Federal Highway Administration
Solicitation Number: 1321
Partners: CA, FHWA
Status: Cleared by FHWA
Est. Completion Date:
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Mar 08, 2012
Contract End Date:
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Total Commitments Received: $120,000.00
100% SP&R Approval:
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Silas Nichols
silas.nichols@dot.gov
Phone: 202-366-1554
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Silas Nichols
silas.nichols@dot.gov
Phone: 202-366-1554
Commitments by Organizations
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
California Department of Transportation 2012 $120,000.00 Nick Burmas Sang Le (916)701-3998 sang.le@dot.ca.gov

Study Description

Study Description

Caltrans has a history of adopting new technologies and methodologies to evaluate foundations on their construction projects; this is particularly true for deep foundations. Some of their current test methods, practices and procedures are to use both gamma-gamma logging (GGL) and crosshole-sonic logging (CSL) to accept cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH or drilled shafts) constructed in wet conditions. In an effort to keep with the tradition of adopting new technologies, Caltrans proposes this peer exchange and GGL data review as an opportunity to improve their practices.

Objectives

There are two objectives of this study; first to perform a peer review of the Caltrans Geotechnical Services Foundation Testing Branch (FTB). This review will evaluate current practices used to for deep foundations (piles) on Caltrans construction projects. Some of the current test methods, practices and procedures include gamma-gamma logging (GGL); crosshole sonic logging (CSL); pile load testing, Pile Driving Analyses ,Sonic Caliper Testing and Vibration Monitoring. Information to be reviewed includes current operational practices and procedures associated with managing the testing program, conducting the tests, and managing the analysis and reports generated for Caltrans projects. In addition to reviewing Caltrans current practice, the review will identify best practices and improvements that can be made to the current methodologies used to accept deep foundations. Included in this effort will be the identification of new technologies that should be considered by Caltrans for adoption. The second objective of this review effort is to be available to provide advice to the Department regarding their continuing effort of reviewing existing GGL data and to evaluate processes for adequacy.

Scope of Work

For the first objective in this study, the peer review panel consisting of both national and State DOT experts will be assembled to review Caltrans current test methods, practices and procedures for foundation testing that includes test methods used, record archiving, policy and procedure manuals used, training of staff and other relevant information that will facilitate the review so that best practices and recommendations for improvement can be identified. In addition to reviewing information, the panel will interview Caltrans and Industry staff from construction, structures construction, bridge design, and geotechnical services. The peer review panel will also draw on personal expertise and familiarity with the industry to make recommendations for new technologies and methodologies for Caltrans to evaluate and possibly adopt into practice. With regard to objective two, Caltrans is currently assembling a comprehensive set of existing GGL data. The analysis of this data will identify irregularities, strengthen the management of data integrity, and improve the current GGL data collection process. The peer review panel will review the methodology used for this Caltrans effort and be available to provide advice.

Comments

Benefits: Caltrans, and other states, will be able to improve the methods and procedures used to evaluate foundations constructed on their projects. This will improve the quality of deep foundations testing methods, practices and processes. Time Schedule: The first objective, the peer exchange, of this study will take place from February 4, 2012 to April 30, 2012. The target date for the final report is May 1, 2012. The second objective, GGL data analysis, will start on February 4, 2012 and is expected to take approximately six months. Deliverables: There will be a report that documents the review process and identifies best practices and recommendations for improvement that relate to the Caltrans Foundation Testing Branch and the practices used to both evaluate deep foundations and manage the overall testing and acceptance program.

Title File/Link Type Private
July - September 2012 2012 9 24 TPF Quarterly Report.pdf Progress Report Public
Title File/Link Type Private
Detailed Study Description: A Peer Exchange and Review of Deep Foundation Testing Methodologies at Caltrans Detailed Study Description - 2012 2 29 TPF FTB Foundation peer review.docx Other Public

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