Project No.

: PIT- H147-10

Refer to the typical trace for a defective pile in Figure 1b; the method cannot identify nature of defect
as the wave reflects from a reduction in either elastic modulus or cross-section. Thus whether the
defect is necking, honeycombs, voids, soil inclusions, tremie choke etc. they are all classified as
defects. However, all the scenarios are not acceptable and hence such piles are still classified as
doubtful and may need further testing / remedial action / replacement / re-design based on its actual
load carrying capacity etc. Bulbs are not classified as defects.

The curve after the toe response is basically a second cycle of the wave moving through the pile. If the
energy of impact is sufficient or for shorter pile lengths, it is possible that the wave moves a few times
along the pile before it dies down whereas in some cases, it only completes a partial second cycle.
Generally the waveform after the first cycle is inconsequential for interpretation.

The length is an important input into the test system which is used to compute wave speed. Typical
range of wave speed for good and consistent concrete is 3500m/sec to 4200m/sec and wave speed
lesser than 3500m/sec but upto 3200m/sec is many times likely for large jobs with lesser quality
control or very low percentage reinforcement. Piles with permanent liners may have consistently
higher speeds from 3800m/sec to 4300m/sec.

Piles with a major bulb may show a reflection from bulb and a secondary reflection similar to a defect.
Such a secondary reflection should not be considered as a defect. The method is intended to detect
major defect and minor defects like localized loss of cover may not be detected by this method. It is
sometimes difficult to evaluate the magnitude of defect when pile defects are at half the pile length.

5.0 LIMITATIONS OF TEST SYSTEM

1. The method does not evaluate minor defects and also multiple defects inside the pile as the wave
generally reflects from the first major defect. Similarly, it may be difficult to evaluate the pile
integrity beyond a major bulge and in such cases, it is likely that the pile integrity is inconclusive.

2. Although the test system can be used to evaluate length of piles, the determination of pile length is
approximate within a range of ± 5 – 10% due to variation in concrete density. This implies that the
method cannot evaluate defects that could be present in the bottom 5% -10% of the pile shaft.

3. The method does not provide information on the pile capacity. The pile capacity can be obtained
by static / high strain dynamic load tests or other equivalent methods.

4. The test method can generally evaluate for piles upto an L/D ratio of 45 to 50. However, this also
depends on the soil resistance that may attenuate the signals and thus is a general statement.

5. The method requires a trained and experienced engineer for interpretation of the test results.

6.0 DISCUSSION OF TEST RESULTS

The test results for the 05 piles tested are attached in Appendix A of the report. The detailed test
graphs are attached in Appendix B of the report. Generally the following conclusions can be derived
from integrity tests conducted on the pile shafts.

1. Total 05 piles were tested at the site.

2. Wave speed for the tested piles varied generally from 4100m/sec to 4200m/sec and can be
termed as consistent concrete quality.
Note: 1) This test report or part of the same shall not be reproduced without written permission from the GEO DYNAMICS ULR - TC752120000006415F
2) The results are related to the test performed at location shown by client
Doc. No.: F/5.10/01B/Issue No.01/Issue Date: 01-10-2017/ Amend No.:02 / Amend Date: 08-03-19 / Page 5 of 10 CONTROLLED copy