Installing at strategic locations (e.g., at boundaries near neighboring structures). Pre-boring at the pile point.
While primarily designed for impact-driven piles, Dynamic Load Testing (PDA) is selectively adapted for jacked piles in Singapore to quickly verify structural integrity and capacity. Gages are attached to the pile head, and a drop hammer delivers a dynamic impact to generate force and velocity wave traces. Low Strain Integrity Testing (PIT)
| Standard | Title | |----------|-------| | | Geotechnical design – General rules | | BCA “Piling” CP 4 (historical reference) | Still referenced for workmanship | | SS EN 12699 | Execution of special geotechnical works – Displacement piles | | LTA Civil Design Criteria | For transport infrastructure projects |
: The design and installation of piles in Singapore are governed by the Singapore Standard Code of Practice for Foundations (SS CP 4) and Eurocode 7 (EC7) .
Pile heave is a significant concern in soft clay deposits and can reduce a pile's load-bearing capacity. For projects in high-risk categories, heave monitoring of previously installed piles is mandatory during the installation of adjacent piles. This requirement is a key component of the BCA's risk-based approach. Installing at strategic locations (e
The joint BCA/IES/ACES/GeoSS circular APPBCA-2022-15 establishes a clear, enforceable framework for the . Good practices for installation include:
Acknowledgements This paper compiles established engineering principles and site-proven practices adapted to Singapore’s conditions; project-specific design must be undertaken by qualified geotechnical and structural engineers.
: While early use focused on small piles, modern projects often use large-capacity piles, such as 600 mm diameter spun piles Challenging Ground : Successful installations have been recorded in areas like Bukit Timah Granite
According to the GeoSS draft guidelines, several proactive measures should be implemented to mitigate the adverse impacts of ground movement: Gages are attached to the pile head, and
The hydraulic rams apply a steady, continuous downward force. Halting the process prematurely inside sandy strata can cause soil setup, drastically increasing the force required to restart movement and risking premature pile refusal. Step 4: Jointing of Pile Segments
: Upon completion of piling works, the QP must submit as-built piling plans and certificates of supervision within 28 days to regulatory bodies.
Pile stops before reaching the design bearing stratum due to dense intermediate sand layers or boulders.
Singapore’s underground profile varies dramatically within small geographic distances, presenting specific operational risks for jacked-in piles: For projects in high-risk categories, heave monitoring of
: When using multiple jacking machines, avoid clustering them close together to prevent cumulative ground movements.
6.3 Trigger and Action Levels
: A joint circular from BCA, IES, ACES, and GeoSS (2022) regarding ultimate load testing and design verification.
A comprehensive record of all installations, including daily reports, jacking logs, heave monitoring data, and test results, must be maintained. Supervisors must submit interim certificates at defined milestones (e.g., 50% and 100% of pile installation) to the Commissioner of Building Control.