Pile Integrity Testing and Assessment
Sonic Logging / High Strain / Low Strain Dynamic Load Test(PDA Test / PIT Test)
Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL), commonly known as cross sonic logging or the sonic logging test is an accurate and reliable method to assess pile integrity or deep foundation elements such as newly placed concrete drilled shafts, cut-off walls and slurry walls, especially when addressing excavation below groundwater level.
Sonic Logging is a preferred because it is quick and safe and can be done above or below waterline structures.
High-strain dynamic load tests, known as Dynamic Pile Testing (PDA) can be used on concrete piles, bored piles, steel piles, etc. This test method assesses the capacity, integrity, and driving stresses during an axial impact event.
Results from a pile integrity test can be interpreted on site and conveniently allow engineers to evaluate and accept or reject the pile based on its integrity.
PDA Test is fast, reliable and cost effective (often possible to perform several PDA load tests at one time).
Low strain impact integrity test, known as Pile Integrity Test (PIT), works best on solid concrete sections, and is a non-destructive pile testing method providing acceleration or velocity and force data on slender structural elements such as structural columns, driven concrete piles, cast in place concrete piles, concrete filled steel pipe piles, timber piles, etc.
It is beneficial to consider the soil profile, construction method and site records. Test results obtained can be interpreted to identify defects and estimate their magnitude as well as its location and pile length.
