The Pile Integrity Tester confirms the absence of major cracks and voids on
any type of concrete foundations prior to construction of the superstructure. It may also test piles
integral in the structure, such as those supporting existing bridges or towers, and determine their
length.
The Low Strain Dynamic Testing method employed by the PIT is fast enough to
permit testing of every pile on site.
"Just to let you know that I have been very impressed with the
data collected by the PIT-FV on two recent projects. The first involved testing spliced timber piles in
excess of 30m in length through a concrete pile cap. (...) The second project involved PIT testing of
precast concrete piles. (...) Both sets of PIT testing gave the clients the confidence in the long-term
durability of their foundations they required." - Dr. Julian Seidel, Foundation QA, Australia
PIT performs the wave equation-based non-destructive test known as Pulse or
Sonic Echo Test, or Low Strain Dynamic Test. The test consists of attaching one or two accelerometers to
the foundation, and using a small hand-held hammer to impact it. The accelerometer data reveals any
significant changes in cross section that may exist along the shaft. The
PIT-W software post processes the data and generates reports.
The Pile Integrity Tester is available in two models: PIT-V and
PIT-FV. Both are light, battery powered, and operated through a high visibility touch screen. PIT-V reads
data from one accelerometer for data analysis in the Time Domain. PIT-FV reads data from an accelerometer
and an instrumented hammer or from two accelerometers. It permits force and velocity analysis in the
Frequency Domain for a more thorough evaluation of the foundation and allows the investigation of defects
near the pile top. PIT-FV may be used to assess of the length of an unknown foundation. An optional FFT
feature is available for both models.
The Pile Integrity Tester conforms to
ASTM D5882-00 and many other codes and specifications, and is CE certified.
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