SYNOPSIS

In underground space construction, the load testing and integrity testing of deep foundations are critical components to verify the safety and stability of the built structures. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that these deep foundations are properly constructed, structurally sound, and perform satisfactorily according to the design requirements. This seminar focuses on loading and integrity tests to ensure this foundation system's adequacy.

Most practicing engineers are familiar with conventional Static Load Test with Kentledge blocks or steel plates, reaction anchor or reaction piles method, which were well established in all international standards. However, over the last three decades, some newer testing methods for deep foundation have been established, including high strain dynamic load test (PDA test), rapid load test (RLT Test), and Bidirectional Load Test (BDLT). The PDA Test started its popular application in the late 80s. The BDLT and RLT tests were developed and gained popularity in the late 90s. Many research and studies worldwide showed that these testing methods are technically sound, adequate for practical application, and acceptable in most international codes to deduce pile behaviour and performance.

Though it is considered a well-established method, most practicing engineers do not understand the theoretical basis and assumptions in these testing methods. The proper conduct and interpretation of these tests, taking into account their advantages and limitations, in each of these testing methods will affect the suitability of such methods in certain applications. Hence, this seminar aims to update the engineers on these aspects.

On the integrity assessment of the deep foundation aspects, some common methods are low strain dynamic load test or termed as Pile Integrity test (PIT), pile-rock interface coring test, ultrasonic scanning test to check on geometry and verticality, and cross-hole sonic logging (CSL) tests. This seminar will give a quick introduction to these methods and followed by a detailed discussion on the cross-hole sonic logging (CSL) test. Proper conduct and interpretation of this CSL test are critical in avoiding pitfalls or false indications of integrity assessment in the deep foundation.


BIODATA OF SPEAKERS

SPEAKER 1 :
Seminar Title :  Revisiting the Current Practices of Deep Foundation Load Tests and Their Suitability

Dr. Chew Soon Hoe, a Professional Engineer, graduated with PhD from the University of California at Berkeley, USA. He is currently an Assistant Professor with the Department of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore. He was the Deputy Director of the Centre for Protective Technology (CPT), a research and development centre jointly formed by the Ministry of Defence, Singapore, and NUS.

His research interests include various aspects of ground treatment, deep excavation and tunneling, land reclamation, geosynthetics applications, as well as geotechnical seismic analysis. He is actively involved in research and consultancy relating to various applications of geosynthetics in Singapore and this region. In addition, he was the Principal Investigator for the Singapore Government funded industrial research on Jet Grouting for ground improvement and tunnelling works. Dr Chew has many practical experiences based on research and consulting experiences on pile design, excavation project, ground investigation works, Tunnelling (Soil and rock), and Ground improvement via grouting methods (including jet grouting, permeation grouting, TAM grouting, fissure grouting and low pressure grouting etc.). He has been involved in a number of MRT constructions – acting as technical advisor in reviewing station and tunnel design, as well as acting as technical advisor for QP Supervision.

Dr Chew published very extensively on geosynthetics, soft clay, ground improvement and rapid pile load test and related topic. He was awarded “Defence Technology Prize”, from Chief Defence Scientist, Ministry of Defence, Singapore in 2006. He was also the recipient of the “Minister Innovative Awards (Excellent)” from Ministry of Transportation, 2011. He was also awarded with “Friends of Waters” by PUB, the water agency in 2013. He was again awarded with “2015 Minister’s Awards (Team)” by the Ministry of National Development.  He and his research team, jointly with HDB, has recently won the “2021 IES Prestigious Engineering Award and “2021 ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award for year 2021”.


SPEAKER 2 :
Seminar Title : Sonic Logging Test for Deep Foundation in Malaysia

Dr. Eng Zi Xun, graduated with PhD from National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, after completing a research project on dewatering of fine-grain slurry with geotextile tube. He was a Design Engineer in geosynthetic industry before pursuing his PhD in NUS. Upon the Ph.D. conferment, he became a Research Fellow with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore. His research interest and working area includes geosynthetic, soil improvement, slope engineering, and geo-environmental engineering. He also actively involved in different field instrumentation works in soil medium, geosynthetic materials, piles and etc. Dr. Eng Zi Xun has also published papers in several well-known industry publications, including ASTM, International Stresswave Conferences, and etc.

Serving as the General Manager at Geonamics (M) Sdn. Bhd., Dr. Eng Zi Xun plays a major role in developing strategies designed to improve the business competitiveness and profitability of the testing services including the development and management of action plans to ensure corporate objectives are achieved. He also actively involved in activities liaison with local, regional and international research and academic institutions particular in geotechnical engineering. Through his commitment to this role, he has helped Geonamics (M) Sdn. Bhd. develops a wide spectrum of testing services in geotechnical engineering and exclusively for Rapid Pile Load Test in this region.