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PIT Report Soft Copy - Naodoba Bridge
PIT Report Soft Copy - Naodoba Bridge
REPORT ON:
INTEGRITY TEST ON 18 (EIGHTEEN) NOS CAST-IN-SITU PILES FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF PADMA MULTIPURPOSE BRIDGE PROJECT JANJIRA
APPROACH ROAD AND SELECTED BRIDGE END FACILITIES (ICB NO: PMB/
AR/ O1) NAODOBA BRIDGE PROJECT.
CONTRACTOR:
AML - HCM JV.
CONSULTANTS:
CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION CONSULTANT (CSC)
Special Works Organization (SWO) – West
Bangladesh Army
September 2014
Page
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. SCOPE OF THE WORK 1
3. PILE HEAD PREPARATION 1
4. THE PILE INTEGRITY TEST 1
5. DEVICE USED FOR INTEGRITY TESTING 4
5.1 Characteristics of the Device 4
5.2 Testing 5
5.3 Interpretation 5
1
the pile and is registered by the accelerometer. The accelerations are then integrated to
obtain the pile head velocity. Apparent reflections occurring prior to the toe response that
are of the same sign as the input are due to a relative decrease of impedance. Reflections
of the opposite sign are due to a relative increase of impedance. The pile impedance z is
defined by the following equation:
z = EA/c (1)
c E/ (2)
z A E (3)
Thus an impedance reduction can be caused by a decrease in area A, modulus E or
density . Since both E and are related to concrete strength, it can be concluded that a
change in impedance is related to a change in cross-sectional area or concrete quality.
The pile length is calculated from the time of toe reflection (T), if apparent, and the
velocity of wave propagation through concrete (c) using the following equation:
c.T
L (4)
2
The magnitude of stress-wave velocity usually ranges from 3000 m/sec to 4500 m/sec.
Integrity evaluation from low strain tests is to be made with due consideration to other
information such as construction details (length of temporary casing, concreting methods,
concrete consumption etc.), soil profile, unusual occurrences during construction (e.g.
delays during concreting, premature withdrawal of tremie tubes, water conditions etc.).
The shaft friction between the pile and soil plays an important role in pile integrity test, as
shaft friction dampens the magnitude of the signal. The reduction in magnitude of the
signal is a function of pile length, pile type, soil type and consistency and the length to
2
diameter ratio of the pile. If reflectograms are obtained from a reference pile of known
length and good quality (such as a driven pile) at the same site then the effect of soil
resistance can be judged and an improved interpretation can be made.
Certain limitations are inherent in low-strain integrity testing. Integrity evaluation of a pile
section below a crack that crosses the entire pile cross-sectional area or below a section
filled with soil is not normally possible since the impact wave is likely to reflect
completely at the discontinuity. Piles with highly variable cross-sections or multiple
discontinuities are difficult to evaluate.
Integrity testing may not identify all imperfections, but it can be used in identifying major
defects within the effective length. In literature, there are many examples that highlight the
success of low strain integrity testing (Klingmuller. O, 1993).
With regards to the implication of pile integrity test, one should consider the following
factors:
This sonic echo pile integrity testing or dynamic response method is based on
measuring (or observing on an oscilloscope) the time it takes for a reflected
compression stress wave to return to the top of the pile. Some waves will be
reflected by a discontinuity in the pile shaft when the compressive strength is
known for the pile material involved, the depth to the discontinuity and the pile
length can be determined.
On the other hand, area of pile shaft and hence its diameter, is determined from
impedance of wave response, while impedance in any section is a function of
elastic modulus of pile material, shaft area and wave velocity propagating through
that section. If the concrete material is uniform throughout the pile length, elastic
modulus and the wave velocity (provided disturbance from other source of
vibration nearby is insignificant) are constant for that pile. In that case, changes in
impedance usually indicate changes of pile cross-sectional area.
While evaluating pile integrity (i.e., pile length and shaft diameter), the wave
velocity is usually assumed to be constant throughout pile length. Therefore, the
reliability of integrity evaluation entirely depends on the pile material and its
uniformity throughout shaft length while casting was done. Thus the length and
3
diameter obtained from pile integrity test is merely an indication of the actual
length and diameter of the tested piles.
Besides, this test can only assess shaft integrity and gives no information for pile
bearing capacity determination. However, if a large number of piles are tested, it is
generally easy to focus the piles having unusual responses. Therefore, whenever an
integrity testing is contemplated, consideration must be given to the limitations of
the various methods/process of pile driving (and casting) and the possible need for
further investigation to check the results of such testing.
Fig. 1 Basic principle of low strain integrity testing (after Klingmuller, 1993)
4
efficiently verify. The SIT-system enables to check the pile length and to detect
irregularities and/or cracks in the pile shaft. The system is robust, light, easily portable and
operates fully digital.
5.2 TESTING
The test is carried out by pressing a transducer onto a pile top while striking the pile head
with a hand held hammer. The SIT-system registers the impact of the hammer followed by
the response of the pile and shows both on the Note Book Computer display. If so
instructed by the operator, the signal will be stored in the memory of the SIT-system
together with other information, such as pile number, date, time, site, amplification factor,
filter length, etc.
5.3 INTERPRETATION
The reflectograms are horizontally scaled and vertically amplified to compensate external
soil friction, which facilitate the interpretation. Consequently the reflection of the pile toe
matches the length of the pile, which will be confirmed by the SIT-system. In case of any
defects, the exact location can be determined from the graph on the display. Little
experience is generally needed to read a reflectogram.
6. LOCATION OF PILES TESTED
The foundation of the proposed PADMA MULTIPURPOSE BRIDGE PROJECT
JANJIRA APPROACH ROAD AND SELECTED BRIDGE END FACILITIES (ICB NO:
PMB/ AR/ O1) NAODOBA BRIDGE PROJECT consists of cast in situ piles out of which
36 nos piles were tested. All the piles were cast in place by wash boring method.
7. COMMENTS FROM OBSERVATIONS OF PILE INTEGRITY TEST
For matured concrete the stress-wave velocity ranges between 9800ft/sec to 14800 ft/sec
(3000 m/sec to 4500 m/sec). During the test a stress wave velocity of 11811 ft/sec (≈3600
m/sec) were employed. The recorded reflectograms for each pile are presented in
Appendix-C. Although several set of recordings were made for each pile, only the most
suitable set of recording is presented the Appendix. The reflectograms records were later
analyzed using various stress wave velocity, amplification and data correction scheme to
assess the length of the piles, integrity of the shaft and quality of concrete.
Interpretation of the reflectograms regarding length, cross-sections, concrete quality and
defects of each pile are provided in Table 1 & 2. It should be noticed that the lengths
mentioned in Table 1 & 2 are estimated lengths using an average compression wave
velocity of 12467 ft/sec (≈3800m/sec) through the pile concrete and do not necessarily
5
represent the actual length. For some of the piles, lengths shorter than the expected length
are observed in Table-1 & 2. If a greater compression wave velocity (of course within the
reasonable upper limit) is assumed, then the estimated lengths of these piles will be
increased. This indicates that the quality of concrete in these piles may be relatively good
compared to that of a concrete with 12467 ft/sec wave velocity. On the other hand, if for
any pile the mentioned length is higher than the expected length then it would indicate
relatively poor concrete.
The pile length is used to determine the signal length. The pile length should be
estimated between 80% and 110% of the real pile length.
It should be noted that pile integrity test is an indicative test about the length, cross-section
and quality of concrete in the pile shaft. This test does not give any data about the actual
load capacity of a pile. Load capacity of a pile may be determined by static load test. It is
suggested to substantiate the findings of integrity test by exposing several piles (either by
excavation or pull out) or by load test, as may be appropriate, to facilitate decisions about
final acceptance or rejection of the piles. However, because of the large cost involved in a
pile load test, the necessity of integrity test in facilitating the selection of piles for load test
is a rational approach for quality control and safety assurance of piled foundations.
8. REFERENCES
ASTM D5882. “Standard Test Method for Low Strain Integrity Testing of Piles”
Klingmuller, O., “Sonic Echo Pile Integrity Testing and Quality Control”,
Ground Engineering, December 1993, pp 25-30.
Tchepak, S., “Experiences with Low Strain Integrity Testing of Cast-In-Situ Piles”.
6
APPENDIX-A
APPENDIX-B
APPENDIX-C
Table 1: Interpretations and Comments on recorded Reflectograms from integrity tests(Abutment AB1)
4 4 38 38 Pile good,length ok
5 5 38 37.5 Pile good, Length ok, Clear toe reflection, Straight shaft
7 7 38 38 Pile good,Length ok
TEST PERFORMED BY
SYNERGY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Table 1: Interpretations and Comments on recorded Reflectograms from integrity tests(Abutment AB1)
12 12 38 39.3 Pile good, Length ok, Clear toe reflection, Straight shaft
14 14 38 39.9 Pile good, Length ok, Clear toe reflection, Straight shaft
TEST PERFORMED BY
SYNERGY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
SYNERGY DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
16.3 38.8
[mm/s] [m]
20.2 38.8
19.9 38.8
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
7.1 39.9
[mm/s] [m]
6.6 39.9
9.1 39.9
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
21.4 39.9
[mm/s] [m]
17.0 40.1
7.2 39.9
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
16.2 38.0
[mm/s] [m]
15.3 36.7
15.4 38.0
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
33.6 37.5
[mm/s] [m]
33.0 37.5
33.3 37.5
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
13.8 38.8
[mm/s] [m]
11.9 38.8
11.7 33.6
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
12.3 31.5
[mm/s] [m]
12.6 38.0
6.8 38.0
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
8.1 31.5
[mm/s] [m]
10.7 38.8
10.7 38.8
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
7.7 39.3
[mm/s] [m]
9.6 39.3
7.7 39.3
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
8.0 38.0
[mm/s] [m]
8.7 38.0
7.0 38.0
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
11.2 38.6
[mm/s] [m]
12.5 38.6
9.5 38.6
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
27.4 37.5
[mm/s] [m]
13.5 39.3
7.3 39.3
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
30.7 38.3
[mm/s] [m]
46.1 38.3
16.5 38.3
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
16.1 39.9
[mm/s] [m]
9.8 39.9
11.8 39.9
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
15.2 40.1
[mm/s] [m]
15.2 40.1
18.1 40.1
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
6.8 38.8
[mm/s] [m]
6.5 38.8
6.2 37.0
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
11.1 38.6
[mm/s] [m]
7.6 38.0
13.0 38.0
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
14.8 37.5
[mm/s] [m]
12.8 37.5
12.0 37.5
4/3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 [m]
4 4 34 34.4 Pile good, Length ok, Clear toe reflection, Straight shaft
TEST PERFORMED BY
SYNERGY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Table 2: Interpretations and Comments on recorded Reflectograms from integrity tests(Abutment AB2)
11 11 34 34.9 Pile good, Length ok, Clear toe reflection, Straight shaft
12 12 34 33.7 Pile good, Length ok, Clear toe reflection, Straight shaft
16 16 34 34.7 Length ok, Clear toe reflection, Minor variation near pile toe
17 17 34 35.3 Pile good, Length ok, No clear toe reflection, Straight shaft
TEST PERFORMED BY
SYNERGY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
SYNERGY DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
6.9 34.4
[mm/s] [m]
9.7 34.4
11.7 34.4
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
8.2 34.9
[mm/s] [m]
7.2 34.9
7.9 34.9
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
7.1 34.7
[mm/s] [m]
10.6 34.7
10.3 34.7
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
5.8 33.9
[mm/s] [m]
16.7 34.4
20.5 34.4
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
12.6 34.4
[mm/s] [m]
10.3 34.4
11.4 34.4
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
7.8 33.2
[mm/s] [m]
8.4 33.2
11.6 33.2
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
11.4 34.2
[mm/s] [m]
9.7 34.2
10.9 34.2
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
8.5 34.7
[mm/s] [m]
6.6 34.7
6.0 34.7
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
7.4 34.7
[mm/s] [m]
8.2 34.7
8.8 34.7
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
10.1 34.2
[mm/s] [m]
14.4 34.2
8.5 34.2
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
5.9 34.9
[mm/s] [m]
8.9 34.7
6.8 34.9
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
8.2 33.7
[mm/s] [m]
7.9 33.7
7.7 36.9
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
8.1 36.2
[mm/s] [m]
6.1 34.2
6.7 34.2
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
14.9 33.9
[mm/s] [m]
10.5 33.9
15.4 33.9
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
16.2 35.0
[mm/s] [m]
13.7 35.0
11.2 35.0
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
6.6 34.7
[mm/s] [m]
7.8 34.7
8.9 34.7
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
14.4 35.3
[mm/s] [m]
16.7 35.3
13.1 35.3
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]
11.2 34.2
[mm/s] [m]
6.0 34.2
9.2 34.2
4/3 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 [m]