Pile Integrity Test (PIT)
Description
The Pile Integrity Tester (PIT) gives peace of mind that a pile or shaft is free of major cracks and voids, prior to construction of the superstructure. It may be used on most concrete or wood foundations. The PIT may also be used to test piles integral in the structure, such as those supporting existing bridges or towers, and may assess their length.
The PIT performs wave equation-based non-destructive foundation investigations known as Low Strain Impact Integrity Tests or Low Strain Dynamic Tests. These test may be performed by the Pulse (or Sonic) Echo or Transient Response Methods. With the PIT, any form of the test is performed fast, potentially making it possible to test every pile on a job site.
The PIT test consists of attaching one or two accelerometers to the foundation and using a hand-held hammer to impact it. The PIT collects the acceleration data and displays curves that reveal any significant changes in cross section that may exist along the shaft. The PIT-W software post-processes the data and generates reports, while the PIT-S software simulates a PIT test and performs simplified signal matching to assess the shape of the foundation.
Low strain integrity testing by pulse echo or transient response methods:
• Reveals potential shaft or pile defects such as major cracks, necking, soil inclusions or voids.
• Can be used to determine unknown pile lengths.
• Available in three versions (cabled and wireless): velocity only, force and velocity, or two velocity channels.
• Optional PIT-Professional reporting software allows advanced modeling and analysis