Load Test Programs

Torque Down® Piles (TDPs) may be tested in compression and/or in tension under the direction of the geotechnical engineer to verify the calculated allowable loads. Unlike indicator piles, test piles are typically installed at production pile locations and are filled with structural concrete. Depending on the subsurface soil, test piles should be left to set between one day and one month prior to testing; studies have shown that pile capacity can increase significantly with time, particularly in fine grained soil. The load test apparatus and procedures used to test TDPs are in general conformance with the quick test presented in ASTM D1143-81 and D3689-90 for compression and tension tests, respectively.