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.

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.

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).

Photo 3. Pile integrity test – pile defects

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

Limitations of pile integrity test

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.