The methodology of application of Pile Driving Analyser (PDA) test and Case Pile Wave Analysis
Programme (CAPWAP) analysis for quality control and capacity assessment in driving long
steel H-piles is fully illustrated in the project ‘Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park and Swimming Pool
Complex’. The deficiencies of using the Hiley Formula as a field control to assess pile capacity
have been well known. These deficiencies are more prominent when the pile is long. In the use
of the Hiley Formula for long driven piles, out of range of final set table has been a common
phenomenon and this has rendered the formula not applicable. The paper discusses the use of
a hybrid method making use of advanced method (PDA/CAPWAP) in conjunction with simple
method (Hiley Formula) for field control and pile capacity assessment. It has been shown that this
method will not only improve the reliability of the pile foundation but also contribute greatly to
the overall cost-effectiveness of installation of the piles by reducing the chance of over-driving
and damage to the pile. This method also enables the successful use of hydraulic hammers in
taking final sets.
Keywords:
Pile Driving Analyser (PDA), Case Pile Wave Analysis Programme (CAPWAP), Hiley Formula, Steel H-piles, Final Set Table, Hydraulic Hammer
