1808.4.2 Uplift Load Test

Where uplift load tests are required, one uplift load test shall be conducted in each area of substantially similar subsurface conditions up to 5,000 square feet (465 m²) of building footprint where piles are subjected to uplift, and not less than two uplift load tests shall be conducted for each area of building footprint where piles are subjected to uplift between 5,000 square feet (465 m²) and 30,000 square feet (2787 m²) and for such area one additional upload load test shall be conducted for each 20,000 square feet (1860 m²) of additional area of building footprint where piles are subject to uplift. For conditions where multiple pile types or capacities are used, refer to Section 1808.2.5.

Uplift load tests shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM D 3689 standard procedures and the following conditions:

1. Dial extensometer gages shall provide readings to the nearest 0.001 inch (0.025 mm). Electrical transducers may be used to make settlement observations provided that backup measurements are made utilizing dial extensometers as described herein at sufficient times to validate the transducer readings.
2. Any temporary supporting capacity that the soil might provide to the pile during a load test, but which would be dissipated with time, shall be eliminated by casing off or by other suitable means, such as increasing the total test load to account for such temporary capacity.

The apparatus and structure to be used in making the load test shall be designed by an engineer. Load tests shall be performed under the observation of the special inspector. A complete record of such tests shall be filed with the commissioner.