First CFA O-cell® test in Europe
The first CFA bi directional pile test in Europe was performed in Villanova D’Albenga, Northern Italy. Although the loads achieved were not record breaking, proving the system could be used for small piles was an achievement Loadtest are very proud of.
The site is located within the grounds of the airport of Villanova D’Albenga. Opened in 1922, the airport now boasts a runway of 1429 metres long and 45 metres wide.
The installation of the single O-cell within a 450 mm diameter CFA pile was performed with simplicity and ease. The fact that the site is located in Italy, the homeland of the two major CFA equipment suppliers in Europe, made the test all the more pleasing.
One 230 mm O-cell was welded inside the 10 m CFA cage, 0.5 m above the toe. Two levels of Geokon sister bar strain gauges were positioned along the cage to assist in the determination of the unit skin friction.
Installation and testing of the first bi directional O-cell test in Europe was successfully achieved.
