Foundation Footing Field Testing
Rigorous testing and validation of our innovative foundation solutions
1. Project Aim
This field testing project aims to validate the performance, reliability, and safety of our foundation footing products under various real-world conditions. Through our partnership with the University of Melbourne, we conduct rigorous scientific testing at their facility to ensure our products meet and exceed industry standards, providing our customers with confidence in the structural integrity of their buildings and structures. As part of this effort, we are also focused on understanding the behaviour of group minipiles in cohesive soil, as well as correlating driving data with their ultimate bearing capacity.
2. Objectives
2.1 Tensile and Compressive Loading Correlation
Correlating the minipile capacity under tensile loadings with its capacity under compressive loadings to establish comprehensive performance metrics.
2.2 Individual to Group Performance
Linking the individual minipile capacity to the group minipile performance under vertical loading to understand load distribution and collective strength.
2.3 Behavior Under Various Loading Conditions
Understanding the behaviour of a minipile group under various loading conditions to ensure stability across different environmental and structural scenarios.
2.4 Tensile Loading and Driving Data Correlation
Developing a correlation between the minipile capacity under tensile loadings with its driving data to predict performance based on installation metrics.
3. Methodology
3.1 Site Selection
All field tests were conducted at the Dookie Campus of the University of Melbourne, chosen for its diverse soil conditions and controlled environment that allows for accurate and consistent testing procedures.
3.2 Geotechnical Investigations
Geology – Colluvium and Lake Deposits
Soil composition analysis
The test site consists primarily of Colluvium (Qc1), Swamp and Lake Deposits (Qml), and Norton Gully Sandstone (Dnn), with nearby presence of the Shepparton Formation (Nws). This diverse mix of sedimentary and unconsolidated materials provides a robust environment for testing foundation footings under a range of realistic subsurface conditions.
3.3 Test Procedures
Our testing procedures follow rigorous industry standards to ensure accurate and reliable results:
Compression Test
ASTM DI 143
Compression tests were conducted on both General and H6 footings according to ASTM DI 143 standards to measure their load-bearing capacity under downward pressure.
Tension Test
ASTM 3689
Tension tests were performed on both General and H6 footings according to ASTM 3689 standards to evaluate their resistance to upward pulling forces.
Calibrated Load Cell
High-precision load cells were used to accurately measure forces applied during testing.
Engineered Frame
Custom-designed testing frames were built to ensure consistent and accurate application of forces.
Multiple Footings Tested
Various footing configurations were tested to ensure comprehensive performance data.
4. Results
Our comprehensive testing yielded detailed data on the performance of our foundation footing products. Analysis of failure loads and analytical methods were used to predict future capacities based on geotechnical parameters.
Load-Displacement Curves
The load-displacement curves demonstrate the gradual response of our footings under increasing pressure, showing excellent resistance before reaching failure points.
Estimation of Failure Loads
Statistical analysis of failure loads across multiple tests provides confidence intervals for the maximum load capacity of our foundation products.
5. Advantages
Quick Installation
Our foundation footings can be installed rapidly, reducing project timelines and labor costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Durable
Hot-dipped galvanised coating exceeding 80μ thickness ensures long-term protection against corrosion and environmental degradation.
Strong
Engineered to exceed industry load-bearing standards, our footings provide exceptional structural support for a variety of building applications.
Easy to Install
Only hand-held tools required for installation, eliminating the need for heavy machinery and specialized equipment on site.
Versatile
Performs excellently in various soil types including sand, clay, silt, loam, and even rock, making it suitable for diverse geographical locations.
6. Conclusions
Battered minipile groups do not show full mobilisation of friction during tension loading. The efficiency of battered minipile groups is larger than the efficiency of vertical minipile groups in compression.
Proven Performance: Our foundation footings have demonstrated consistent performance across various soil conditions and loading scenarios.
Scientific Validation: The rigorous testing methodology employed by the University of Melbourne provides scientific credibility to our product claims.
Predictable Performance: The correlations established between installation data and load capacity enable accurate prediction of in-field performance.
Versatile Applications: Our products have proven suitable for a wide range of soil types and building applications, offering versatility to contractors and builders.
Partner Endorsement
Source: Melbourne Granular Geomaterial Laboratory
Alberto Escobar – PhD Candidate
A/Prof Mahdi Disfani – Supervisor