ASTM Int'l Addresses Standards for Deep Foundations, Erosion, Sediment Control - ASTM D 1143, ASTM D 4945, ASTM WK13229

July 2, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

Subcommittee D18.11 on Deep Foundations completed revisions to ASTM D 1143 - Test Method for Deep Foundations Under Static Axial Compressive Load, while Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and Sediment Control Technology is working on ASTM WK13229 - Test Method for Determination of Hydraulically Applied Fiber Matrix Performance in Protecting Hill Slopes from Rainfall-Induced Erosion.

ASTM D 1143 - Test Method for Deep Foundations Under Static Axial Compressive Load
ASTM D 1143 covers procedures for testing vertical or inclined deep foundations individually or in groups to determine the axial deflection in response to a static axial compressive load. Subcommittee D18.11 said it approved an extensive revision of ASTM D 1143 that reflects the latest technology used for these purposes.

The following are the biggest changes to ASTM D 1143, according to Paul Bullock, GRL Engineers:

• Requirement for the use of a load cell instead of relying solely on a jack pressure calibration for loads above 900 kN (100 tons).
• Strong encouragement to obtain a failure load, which helps economize the foundation design, rather than just testing to twice a conservatively computed estimate of the design load.
• Extension of method to include newer types of deep foundations like augercast piles and any type of foundation that behaves similarly to a driven pile.

Geotechnical and structural engineers, building code officials and state, military and federal agencies are among those who regularly use ASTM D 1143, according to ASTM International.

"This test provides the 'ground' truth for deep foundation capacity," said Bullock. "There are other tests that provide similar results for design purposes, but they provide only estimates of static capacity, not the actual value. This test checks the veracity of the design process."

In addition to the ASTM D 1143 revision, Bullock said that D18.11 is working on a revision of ASTM D 4945 - Test Method for High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Piles, as well as proposed new standards on the statnamic test and the osterberg cell.

ASTM WK13229 - Test Method for Determination of Hydraulically Applied Fiber Matrix Performance in Protecting Hill Slopes from Rainfall-Induced Erosion
Subcommittee D18.25 is seeking participation in the ongoing development of ASTM WK13229, particularly from testing laboratories and tackifier manufacturers/importers.

ASTM WK13229 covers the guidelines, requirements and procedures for evaluating the ability of hydraulically applied fiber matrix to protect hill slopes from rainfall-induced erosion. For this protection to happen effectively, the fiber matrix needs to be able to:

• Absorb the impact force of raindrops, thereby reducing soil particle loosening through splash mechanisms.
• Slow runoff and encourage infiltration in order to reduce soil particle displacement and transport through overland flow mechanisms.
• Absorb shear forces of overland flow.
• Trap soil particles.

"Some manufacturers of hydraulically applied fiber matrix products are comparing performance and properties of these products to that of rolled erosion control products without any common testing protocols," said Lee Johnson, a member of D18.25 and an erosion and sediment control specialist at Bowman Construction Supply.

"This is causing a lot of confusion by specifiers between these two types of products, as well as the inability to compare hydraulically applied fiber matrix products themselves." ASTM WK13229 will help to alleviate this confusion by providing a test that can be used exclusively with hydraulically applied fiber matrix products.

Source: ASTM International.