Pulse Echo Integrity Testing is a non destructive pile testing method that verifies the integrity of driven concrete or timber piles, auger cast-in-place piles and drilled shafts. If major defects exist, the test estimates their magnitude and location; it may also determine pile length.

The Pulse Echo Test, also known as Pile Integrity Test, Sonic Echo Test and Low Strain Test, is normally performed after pile installation and curing. It requires minimal pile preparation, and has been routinely used worldwide for many years. Because of its simplicity, speed of execution and low cost, it can be performed on 100% of the piles on a given a job site.

The GRL engineer hits the top of the pile with a hand held hammer. The impact of the hammer generates a compressive stress wave in the pile, and an accelerometer placed on top of the pile monitors the motion associated with this wave. The stress wave propagates down the pile shaft, and is reflected when it encounters either the pile toe or a non-uniformity of the shaft. These reflections cause a change in the acceleration signal measured on the pile top, which is picked up and processed by the Pile Integrity Tester (PIT) equipment and interpreted by an experienced GRL engineer.

GRL performs this foundation integrity test in accordance with ASTM D5882-07 - Standard Test Method for Low Strain Integrity Testing of Piles

drilled shaft integrity testing Sonic echo non destructive testing of piles auger cast-in-place pile monitoring