The New York Power Authority required a lateral load test on a drilled shaft to confirm design estimates and engaged Northeast Caissons, Inc. to install the caissons and perform the test and retained McMahon & Mann to design the test setup to meet project and ASTM test specifications and to monitor the test.

We designed a timber platform loaded with crane counterweights to serve as the load reaction and a steel frame to hold the jack and transfer the test load to the reaction. We designed a deformation measuring system to allow the lateral deflections to be monitored. The jack was equipped with a load cell for measuring the applied loads during the test.