The Thermal Integrity Profiler (TIP) uses the heat generated by curing cement to assess the concrete quality drilled shafts or augered cast in place piles.

TIP makes it possible to evaluate the entire cross-section and the entire length of the foundation by the Thermal Testing Method.

Through field measurements and data interpretation software, TIP reveals:

• Necks or inclusions (regions that are colder than average)
• Bulges (regions that are warmer than average)
• Variations in concrete cover
• Shape of the shaft
• Cage alignment

TIP measures temperatures either with an Infrared Probe¹ containing 4 orthogonal sensors and inserted into access tubes, or using Thermal Wires² that have uniformly spaced sensors and are tied to the rebar cage. In both cases, data is collected by a Thermal Acquisition Port, transferred to the TIP main unit, and later downloaded to a computer for analysis by the TIP Reporter Software.

The TIP Reporter Software displays measured temperatures versus depth and mapped on cross sections of the shaft. A straightforward examination of these graphical representations is often sufficient to indicate a shaft with no integrity issues or one with defects.

TIP measurements from 2 thermal sensors offset over a known, radial distance yield a temperature gradient that may be used to refine the estimate of the concrete cover.

Thermal Modeling consists of simulating the shape of the shaft that, given the type of soil, climate and concrete mix, results in temperatures that match the field measurements. Thermal Modeling outputs a 3-D rendering of the as-built shaft and 2-D slices of its cross sections. Currently, users that require this level of analysis should contact Foundation & Geotechnical Engineering (FGE).

The Thermal Testing Method was developed at the University of South Florida and originally implemented by FGE. Current research and development is a joint effort of FGE and PDI.