The Osterberg Cell® (O-Cell®) – How it works
How it Works Instrumentation is included in each Applications
test pile for direct measurement of O-
The O-cell is a sacrificial jack like cell expansion, shaft compression and Bi-Directional Static Load Testing has
device installed within the foundation top-of-shaft movements. The test pile been performed on:
unit. The O-cell is specifically often includes monitoring strain • Drilled Shafts
engineered to offer negligible internal gauges embedded in the shaft. • Bored Piles
friction even with eccentric
movement. The depth of the O-cell • Caissons
within the pile is set according to the • Driven Piles
test program requirements. A typical • Slurry Walls
level for the O-cell can be determined • Barrettes
where there will be equal capacity
• CFA or Auger Cast Piles.
above and below to maximise the load
that can be mobilised in the pile The O-cell can be used in production
during the test. and non-production foundations.
Multiple O-cells can be used and
The O-cell is attached to the placed on the same plane to increase
reinforcing steel cage or other support the available test capacity to virtually
structure to ensure its location and any load.
depth is located precisely.
Specially constructed O-cells can be
After the concrete reaches a minimum attached to driven piles or cast within
strength, the test may be started. concrete precast piles. Bi-directional
Separation of the pile into two load testing can be performed on:
elements is induced by hydraulic
pressure applied at the cell. • pre-stressed concrete piles
• steel pipe piles
As the load is applied to the O-cell, it • concrete shell piles
begins working in two directions;
O-cell Test on Land with Cell off Tip
upward against upper skin friction and
downward against base resistance and
lower frictional capacity (if Advantages
applicable), the O-cell test requires no The O-cell test does not require
reaction beam or anchor piles. reaction beams or anchor piles, which
can be very costly to install.
High loads can be applied to
magnitudes not possible with any
other static test method. Loads in
excess of 100MN are not uncommon,
with tests in excess of 220MN
possible.
For offshore tests, piles constructed
with restricted access or where
concrete cut-off levels are very low,
Multiple O-cell Assembly ready for the O-cell method may be the only
installation load test option possible.
The test is considered complete after The O-cell test measures directly the
reaching ultimate capacity above or Bi-directional test Off-Shore with O- upward upper skin friction and
below the O-cell or upon reaching the Cell near Tip downward end bearing and lower
maximum capacity of the O-cell. frictional resistance.
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