12/29/2020 Pile integrity test Pile integrity test (Low strain impact integrity testing )

Foundation
Pile integrity test
What is pile integrity test?
Pile integrity test covers the procedure for determining the integrity of individual vertical
or inclined piles by measuring and analyzing the velocity (required) and force (optional)
response of the pile induced by an (hand held hammer or other similar type) impact
device usually applied axially and perpendicularly to the pile head surface.

Pile integrity test (PIT), or as ASTM D5882 refers to it as low strain impact integrity test,
is a common non-destructive test method for the evaluation of pile integrity and/or pile
length. Pile integrity test can be used for forensic evaluations on existing piles or quality
assurance in the new construction.

Low strain impact integrity testing provides acceleration or velocity and force (optional)
data on slender structural elements (structural columns, driven concrete piles, cast in
place concrete piles, concrete filled steel pipe piles, timber piles, etc.).

The method works best on solid concrete sections, and has limited application to
unfilled steel pipe piles and H piles. The test results can be used for evaluation of the
pile cross-sectional area and length, the pile integrity and continuity, as well as
consistency of the pile material. This evaluation practice is approximate and provides a
rapid and simple way for evaluation of a large number of piles in a single working day.

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12/29/2020 Pile integrity test Pile integrity test (Low strain impact integrity testing )

Photo 1. Equipment for pile integrity test

How to perform pile integrity test?

The pile head surface should be accessible, above water, and clean of loose concrete,
soil or other foreign materials. Any type of contamination should be removed (using a
grinder) to reach sound concrete surface. This step is so vital, because the sensor and
concrete should in firm contact.

The location of the sensor should be away from the edges of the pile. The integrity
testing should be performed no sooner than 7 days after casting of concrete.

A hammer is used for impacting pile top. Motion transducer should be capable of
detecting and recording the reflected echos over the pile top. Acceleration, velocity, or
displacement transducers can be used for this purpose. The distance between the
impact location and the sensor should be no larger than 300 mm. Several impacts are
applied to the top of the pile. The reflected echos are then recorded for each individual
impact.

The primary shock wave which travels down the length of the pile is reflected from the
toe by change in density between the concrete and the subsoil. However, if the pile has
any defects or discontinuities within its length these will set up secondary reflections
which will be added to the return signal.

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12/29/2020 Pile integrity test Pile integrity test (Low strain impact integrity testing )

Photo 2. Typical reflectograms

What information does pile integrity test provide?

The Pile integrity test provides information about:

Continuity of pile
Defects such as cracks
Necking
Changes in cross section
Approximate pile lengths (unless the pile is very long or the skin friction is too high).

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12/29/2020 Pile integrity test Pile integrity test (Low strain impact integrity testing )

Photo 3. Pile integrity test – pile defects

Photo 4. Typical velocity record indicating severe damage or cracked pile

Limitations of pile integrity test

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12/29/2020 Pile integrity test Pile integrity test (Low strain impact integrity testing )

Pile integrity test provides an indication of soundness of concrete, however the test has
certain limitations:

Pile integrity test can not be used over pile caps.

It does not provide information regarding the pile bearing capacity.
Test should be undertaken by persons experienced in the method and capable of
interpreting the results.
This test is not effective in piles with highly variable cross sections
It is not effective in evaluating sections of piles below cracks that crosses the entire
cross sectional area of the pile.

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