Materials and Road Research | Geotechnical Engineering | Foundations
MnPILE static-load test frames
We own two static-load test frames. The first frame has a capacity of 1,000 tons and the second frame has a capacity of 500 tons. The frames are used to perform static load tests on small to medium diameter pile, drilled shafts, and grout columns within these capacity limits.
The frames are available to use for free on any public transportation project in Minnesota. The agency or project using the frames is responsible for loading, transporting, and returning the frames and all their components.
Benefits
- Allows for a higher resistance factor of 0.8 in the design (vs. 0.65 for PDA or 0.5 or 0.6 for MPF 12)
- Fewer piles are needed if driving to a hard bearing layer
- For piles supported primarily with skin fiction, achieves capacity sooner resulting in shorter pile
- Validates design predictions and construction monitoring
- Provides valuable information for statewide program level load and resistance factor (LRFD) calibration efforts
Drawbacks
- Cost to load, transport, and return the frames and conduct the static load test
- Time to conduct the static load test
Use MnPILE for your project
We store the MnPILE static-load test frames at the Minnesota Road Research Facility (MnROAD) at 9011 77th St NE in Otsego. Your agency or project is responsible for loading, transporting, and returning the frames and all their components. Please submit a request to use the frames on your project.