Down to Earth

In recent weeks we have spent a lot of time emphasizing the use of generic language in specifications. Far too often we see specifications where the author(s) seem(s) to have been at a loss trying to describe the functional requirements of a piece of equipment or a test. The easy way out in those cases is to mandate the use of a particular piece of equipment by including a brand name in a specification. The problem with that approach is that in doing so the author(s) in effect creates a monopoly or at the very least express(es) a clear preference for that particular piece of equipment. Especially for specifications issued by government entities this is not appropriate and quite often even illegal, but above all completely unnecessary. In most cases there is a specification out there that describes the function of that particular piece of equipment or that test (ASTM international has published close to 12,000 standards) and a simple statement that equipment or a test in accordance with a certain ASTM standard must be used quite often will resolve the issue.

When it comes to foundation testing the same applies. ASTM D4945 (Standard Test Method for High-Strain Dynamic Testing of Piles), ASTM D1143 (Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under Static Axial Compressive Load), and ASTM D7383 (Standard Test Methods for Axial Compressive Force Pulse (Rapid) Testing of Deep Foundations) are just a few examples of detailed functional specifications that are reviewed (and, if necessary, revised) on a regular basis to keep them up to date.

So authors of specifications for foundation testing wishing to fairly describe a CAPWAP or a Statnamic test using generic wording should just refer to the appropriate ASTM specification (ASTM D4945 and ASTM D7383 respectively). Contractors will then have the freedom to use any brand of equipment which meets those ASTM standards.