Classification and types of piles available, their general characteristics, basic technical specifications and the typical installation controls. Factors governing the choice of pile type (site and subsoil conditions, environment, geology, durability, loading, cost, possibility of imperfections in piles and their consequences).

Standard Specification for Road Works is an essential component in the road infrastructure construction industry. This specification provides an improved guidance in the material selection and the production of good quality workmanship and products based on current best practices.

It covers vertical and raking piles tested in compression (i.e. subjected to loads or forces in a direction such as would cause the pile to penetrate further into the ground) and vertical or raking piles tested in tension (i.e. subjected to forces in a direction such as would cause the piles to be extracted from the ground).

As a part of foundation's quality assurance, Maintain Load Test, also known as Static Load Test is necessary to ensure the pile that was driven could take the design load of the structure. During this test, load would be applied on the selected pile and the pile settlement under the acting load would be recorded.

As practices in road construction change over time, it is imperative for Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) to continuously update and improve their standard specifications. These new specifications are not only aimed at keeping abreast with current technologies but also helping in improving the quality of constructed product.

Maintain Load Test, MLT (also known as a Static Load Test) is essential to confirm that the installed pile can safely bear the building or structure’s design load. During this test, a load is applied to a selected pile, and the resulting settlement is recorded. Typically, the test load is twice the working load of the pile.

Compression test shall be carried out using a kentledge, anchor piles or specially constructed anchorages as reaction system. The reaction system used shall be designed to transfer safely to the test pile the maximum load required for testing.

It establishes requirements for various piling methods including precast concrete piles, prestressed concrete piles, and bored cast-in-place piles. The specifications cover materials, manufacturing, installation, tolerances, inspection, and other considerations to help ensure quality and uniformity of piling works.

DS/ DB can be supplemented by Geonor Vane tests and JKR probes. Usually one or two boreholes plus two or more DS or piezocones are used to determine the generalized subsoil profile for each stretch of soft ground. Criteria to terminate depth of borehole are:

The maintained load test (MLT), Kentledge or adjecent tension piles or soil anchors are used to provide a reation for the test load applied by jacking (s) placed over the pile being tested.