Current World Record Press Release – St. Louis

LOADTEST – Announces 36,067 Ton (320.9 MN) Static Load Test of Single Foundation Caisson — A New World Record

GAINESVILLE, FL – June 17, 2010 –LOADTEST, Inc. announces a new World Record static load test of a single foundation caisson on the I-70 (Interstate 70) project over the Mississippi River. The test using Loadtest’s patented Osterberg Cell® method produced a loading of 36,067 tons (321 MN) on the 132-inch (3.35m) diameter pile. It exceeded our previous World Record, established in 2005 in South Korea on the Incheon 2nd link project, by 4,720 tons (42 MN). The New Mississippi River Bridge connecting Missouri and Illinois will provide the first new link in over 40 years between the two states. Mr. Jack Hayes P.E. D.I.C., President of Loadtest, Inc. remarked, "This is a phenomenal achievement for the foundation construction industry and is a tribute to the foresight of the Joint Venture Massman Traylor Bros. Alberici that a test of this magnitude would even be attempted".

The New Mississippi River Bridge project will re-route I-70 (Interstate 70) away from the existing crossing at the Poplar Street Bridge which presently carries three Interstate routes, I-70, I-55 and I-64. The new Mississippi River Bridge will be a 1,500 foot cable-stayed bridge with two traffic lanes in each direction, but will be constructed to allow for three lanes should traffic volumes warrant.

An increasing number of structural design firms are recognizing the reliability and value of using LOADTEST Inc. and its patented Osterberg Cell® method to test to previously unimaginable ultimate loads. Applying these tremendous loads helps to reduce the factor of uncertainty faced by many engineers when designing such robust foundations. The ability to determine ultimate capacities of these foundation elements also allows engineers to use more sophisticated design and analytical techniques.

For more information about this world record project, or how LOADTEST, Inc. has assisted on many world class structure foundations, please visit our website at www.loadtest.com or send inquiries to info@loadtest.com .


About LOADTEST, Inc.

Founded in 1991 in Gainesville, Florida, LOADTEST, Inc. specializes in bi-directional deep foundation load testing using the award-winning Osterberg Cell®, invented by Dr. Jorj O. Osterberg. Through research and hard work, LOADTEST, Inc. has redefined the art of load testing. Both large and small projects can make use of the advantages of the O-cell. The O-cell can isolate portions of a drilled shaft or pile for testing, or can be used to test multiple levels within the same pile. Whether working inside the Los Angeles Coliseum, testing a barrette in Manila or installing 100-meter deep shafts in the Mekong River in Vietnam, or setting numerous world records, LOADTEST, Inc. and the Osterberg Cell have risen to every challenge. LOADTEST, Inc. offers Osterberg Cell load testing equipment and installation assistance as well as full test planning, specification support, field load testing and analytical services. We serve our clients' needs worldwide with offices in the U.S., Singapore, London, Dubai and Korea.

Osterberg Cell and O-cell are registered trademarks.


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