CETN-III-33
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FOLLOWUP INSPECTION
E.
1. Is CQCI reporting concrete mix slump and cubic yards placed in cast-
i n - p l a c e or pipe piles in daily CQC report?
I s CQCI checking for deviation from proper location of load-bearing
2.
pile?
3 . Assure that CQCI controls accuracy of line and plumbness for load-
b e a r i n g piles? A s s u r e that CQCI checks that piles are set vertically or that
batter piles are set on the axis which they are to follow. Be certain that
CQCI checks that the hammer is centered over the pile. For pipe piles and
c a s t - i n - p l a c e piles the QAP can make a quick check as follows to see if the
p i l e is within the plumbness allowance: Let the weight on pile measuring tape
act as a plumb bob, and determine the location of the top of the tape when the
b o b is resting against the side of the pile at some known depth.
4.
Is
CQCI
checking
for
adherence
to
sequence
of
driving
of
load-bearing
piles?
5. Check for damage (fraying and battering) to pile heads during
driving.
Report excessive pile head damage immediately to your supervisor.
O b s e r v e the fit of drive head and pile, as a poorly fitting drive head
c o n t r i b u t e s substantially to pile head damage. D a m a g e from a poorly fitting
d r i v e head is strictly the problem of the contractor and forms no basis for a
c l a i m ; take copious photographs.
" B r o o m i n g " o f the tops of timber piles occurs when the driving is not
e a s y . Wrought-iron straps placed around the pile heads will-usually prevent
b r o o m i n g . If replacement piles are required (because the straps were not used
i n the first place), this is exclusively the problem of the contractor and
f o r m s no basis for a claim. Take photographs.
6 . Is the hammer bouncing? Are piles bending? This is overdriving,
b e c a u s e of an obstruction (usually rock) at pile tip, which can result in
e x c e s s i v e damage to butts and/or tips of piles due to overstress.
What instructions has CQCI given to piling crew on prevention of
d e s t r u c t l o n of bottoms of end-bearing piles after the piles have hit rock?
W e r e his instructions in consonance with what the specifications state? If
t h e specifications do not cover this subject, check with your supervisor in
order to establish the blows per Inch that will signify that the pile has been
d r i v e n to refusal. I f the pile is crushed against the rock by too much
d r i v i n g , the full value of the end bearing is destroyed, and the seawall or
deck structure being supported could fail.
I t is recommended to talk to your supervisor to explore the possibility of
p u l l i n g an occasional pile if overdriving occurs to check for damage of tip.
7 . A s s u r e that CQCI is maintaining a record of driving as required by
specifications.
R e c o r d of driving resistance, pile number, butt and tip
e l e v a t i o n ; notes regarding delays during driving, extent of jetting if
permitted. Are records kept current throughout operations? Assure CQCI
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