A Case Study on the Determination of Pile Discontinuities by Using the Low Strain Pile Integrity Testing and Signal Matching


Özüdoğru T. Y., Şenol A.

19th EYGEC Conference, Györ, Hungary, 3 - 06 September 2008, pp.233-241

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • City: Györ
  • Country: Hungary
  • Page Numbers: pp.233-241
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Low strain pile integrity testing which utilizes one dimensional wave propagation theory makes it possible to detect major discontinuities or defects (cavities, cracks, decrease and increase in cross-section) within a pile quickly and economically. In this study, pile integrity testing data of 96 piles in a site located in Büyükçekmece are analyzed. The test method utilized in this project is the sonic echo method, and the test itself is specifically called the “Sonic Integrity Test”. The aim of this study is to detect occurrence of discontinuities along the pile axis. As the test data reflect the change in impedance, possible impedance diversity due to soil conditions must be known beforehand. In this manner, impedance difference caused by the discontinuities in the pile is distinguished and acquired. Using TNOWAVE’s SITWAVE application, pile integrity testing is simulated and signal matching procedure is executed. In order to achieve reliable results using SITWAVE, sufficient soil investigation must be performed to determine the soil layers and soil parameters properly. In the signal matching process, the test signal data are matched with the reference signal data simulated by the software.