§ 27-682 Procedure.
AC § 27-682
(a)Preparations.
(1)A sketch showing the layout, levels, number of tests, details of test apparatus, and test procedures shall be filed with the commissioner before conducting such tests. The sketch shall also include the locations and levels of the proposed tests in relation to the contemplated foundation levels as well as the logs of borings that have been made for the building or buildings involved.
(2)The tests shall be made at the levels contemplated for the proposed building footings, and in at least two locations within the limits of the building area. The surfaces at the locations of the proposed tests shall be leveled at the elevations of the proposed test for a clear distance of at least five feet all around the test plate.
(3)The loaded area shall be square and at least twenty-four inches by twenty-four inches.
(4)When load tests are performed on materials affected by drying, suitable methods shall be used to prevent evaporation from the material.
(5)In the event ground water is present immediately below, at, or above the level required to be tested, dewatering facilities shall be installed to maintain ground water a minimum of four feet below the level of the test plate during the preparation and duration of the test or tests.
(6)Trenches and other provisions at the ground surface shall be made to prevent inflow of surface water and to remove water that may drain into the test area. The entire test area shall be protected against weather and rainfall for the entire duration of the test.
(7)The load platform providing the support for the test load shall be supported on adequate timber cribbing, which shall not be closer than five feet from the edge of the test plate.
(8)The plate on which the loads are applied shall be of steel having a minimum thickness of two inches and shall be set and centered in a depression in the bottom of the pit or loading area about thirty inches square for a twenty-four inch by twenty-four inch plate and eight inches deep. The area on which the plate is placed shall be scraped to remove any disturbed soil. The area to be tested shall be covered with a thin layer of fine clean sand that shall be smoothed and leveled until a completely level surface for placing the test plate is obtained.
(9)Settlement observations shall be made at four corners of test plate by means of dial extensometers. The extensometers shall provide readings to the nearest 0.001 in. In addition, settlement observations shall be taken using an engineer's level reading to 0.001 ft., properly referenced to a well-established benchmark.
(10)All tests shall be made under the surveillance of the commissioner, who shall be duly notified in order that he or she may be represented.
(b)Loading of the soil.
(c)Determination of results.
