Project No.

: PIT- H114-15

3.0 TESTING EQUIPMENT

Integrity tests were performed using the most advanced state of art data collection system available to
estimate pile integrity by surface impact methods. In this system the PIT Collector allows for detection
of wave reflections from changes in pile impedance. The Collector can acquire, enhance, display and
plot data. The conclusion and interpretation of the results are based on the pile top velocity against
time curve.

The testing involves attachment

chment of accelerometer on the pile top. After attachment, the impact device
(a nylon tipped hammer) generates a low strain compressive wave, which travels down the pile. The
acceleration and velocity records of the impact, along with subsequent reflecti
reflections
ons from either pile toe
and/or discontinuities are graphically displayed.

The integrity testing method separates the effect of impact and surface reflections from other relevant
reflections (i.e. pile toe or other discontinuities) by averaging records of several impacts. This
averaging technique tends to cancel random signals in any particular blow while amplifying the effect
of the relevant repetitive response.

The signal records obtained are also expo

exponentially amplified with time. This enhances the identification
id
of relevant reflections in records, which have low energy due to signals being dampened out by skin
friction.

4.0 INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The interpretation of results consists of evaluation of data based on the reflections recorded during
testing as described above. Reflections are produced by variations in shape, material, soil resistance
changes, joints etc. The deepest reflector is the pile’s toe and its reflection is last observed. All such
reflections are in acceleration form and arare
e numerically integrated to velocity before being displayed.
The integrity of the pile thus tested is based on such reflections and detected changes in impedance
(EA/c) along the pile length, when subjected to an impact blow. Here E is the elastic modulus of the
pile material, A is cross-sectional
sectional area of the pile and c is the wave speed. Impedance variation
usually refers to cross-sectional
sectional change.

The typical data sets for good or damaged shall generally be as shown in Figures 1a and 1b
respectively and are also defined in ASTM D5882.

IMPACT
TOE RESPONSE DEFECT

Fig.1a Typical Velocity Trace - Good Pile Fig.1b Typical Velocity Trace - Damaged Pile

Refer to the typical trace for a defect

defective pile in Figure 1b;; the method cannot identify
identif nature of defect
as the wave reflects from a reduction in either elastic modulus or crosscross-section.
section. Thus whether the
defect is necking, honeycombs, voids, soil inclusions, tremie choke etc. they are all classified as
defects.

Note: 1) This test report or part of the same shall not be reproduced wit
without written permission from the GEO DYNAMICS ULR - TC752121000000190F
2) The results are related to the test performed at location shown
wn by client
Doc. No.: F/7.8/01F/Issue No.02/Issue Date: 16-03-2020/ Am
Amend No.:00 / Amend Date: - / Page 4 of 10 CONTROLLED
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