Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 1

Guidance for the Principal Contractor
It is an essential requirement that the specialist testing contractor is allowed to work
in a safe way and fully in accordance with their own procedures.

1. Static Load Testing of Piles

Introduction
Applies a direct load to the pile head by jacking against an external resistance (Kentledge or
Reaction Piles) and movement of the pile head is measured using deflection transducers. The
method simulates the pile performance in its working condition and at some specified additional
load.
The piling work on this site may require one or more maintained pile load tests. These tests can
be of two types:
Preliminary Test: This is a test carried out on an expendable (non-permanent) pile in
advance of the main piling work. The pile is usually tested until it fails and the results
are used to validate and possibly optimise the design of the subsequent working piles.

Working (or Proof) Test: This is a test carried out on a working pile and the test load is
usually limited to 50% over the design load to avoid overstressing the pile or the
ground. This test is to verify the settlement performance of the pile(s) at their working
(or service) loading.

The test piles (and reaction piles/anchorages, if any) will be installed by the piling contractor.
The loading test will be carried out by a specialist testing contractor. After installation, any
concrete cast in-situ piles are left for a minimum period of 7 days or until the concrete has
gained sufficient strength.

Pile Protection between Installation and Testing

Between installation and testing, the test pile and reaction piles/anchorages must be protected
from damage and interference, specifically:

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 Reaction piles are normally reinforced with prestressing bars which protrude from the piles
to allow connection to the test beams. The bars are formed from high grade steel which
can be damaged by heat or bending. The test area must therefore be barriered off
from plant movement and no hot work allowed in the vicinity. In the unfortunate event of
a bar being bent, it must never be straightened, but the piling contractor should be
informed so that they can re-end the bar. This may require the breaking down of the
pile.

No excavations must take place around reaction piles/anchorages as these have been
designed assuming ground level remains undisturbed. Excavations or loosening of
the ground can cause these to pull out, stopping the test. A repeat test will severely
disrupt your program!

Testing
The testing contractor will need road access from the public highway to the test location for the
lorries containing reaction system and associated ancillaries plus plant for dead load or larger
reaction frame systems.
The area around the test must be made suitable for the technician to safely work, i.e. levelled,
hard-cored and without trip hazards or excavations.
An exclusion zone, of sufficient dimensions will need to be established around the area of the test,
clearly marked and signed. This zone then becomes a restricted area.
During the test, no work that could cause vibration should be carried out adjacent to the test as the
measurements being made may be affected.
The Principal Contractor can usually mitigate the disruptive effects of complying with the above
requirements by careful selection of the location of the pile(s) to be tested.

Overnight Working Attendance

The Engineer’s Specification for the load testing normally requires the load to be maintained and
measurements made continuously from the commencement to the completion of the test over a period
of about 20 hours. There is no requirement for Overnight Working Attendance as the load test shall be
capable of remote monitoring with critical in built safety features, activated should unusual
occurrences emerge. However, the Principal Contractor will need to make the following provision
outside of normal working hours;
General site illumination.
Access and egress will need to be maintained and security provided where appropriate.
An emergency contact number should be provided to the test operative.

2. Dynamic and Rapid Load Testing of Piles

Introduction
Examines the performance of a pile under the impact of a heavy falling weight (e.g. Piling Hammer).
The inputted force and motion of the pile are measured indirectly by re-usable strain and acceleration
transducers attached to the pile wall. The test does not require reaction piles/anchorages.
The test pile will be installed by the piling contractor.
The measurements under impact will be carried out by a specialist testing contractor. After installation,
any concrete cast-in-situ piles are left for a minimum period of 7 days or until the concrete has gained
sufficient strength.

Pile Protection between Installation and Testing

Between installation and testing, the test pile must be protected from damage and interference.

Testing
If testing performed without a pile installation hammer on site, the testing contractor will need road
access from the public highway to the test location for the lorries which contain the testing equipment.
The lorries will also need to be able to park a safe distance from the test area. Craneage/drop weight
systems or piling rigs will also need safe access to the test location.
The area around the test must be made suitable for the technician to safely work, i.e. levelled, hard-
cored and without trip hazards or excavations.
An exclusion zone will need to be established around the area of the test, clearly marked and signed.
This zone then becomes a restricted area.
During the test, no work that could cause vibration should be carried out adjacent to the test.
The Principal Contractor can usually mitigate the disruptive effects of complying with the above
requirements by careful selection of the location of the pile(s) to be tested.

3. Integrity Testing of Piles

3a. Low Strain Integrity Testing (Sonic Echo / Transient Dynamic Response)

This test method covers the procedure for determining the integrity of individual vertical piles by measur-
ing and analyzing the velocity (required) and force (optional) response of the pile induced by a hand held
hammer impact device applied axially and perpendicularly to the pile head surface. This test method is
the most widely used and is applicable to structural elements that are receptive to low strain impact
testing.

It is normal practice to carry out an assessment on the integrity of the piles after they have been
trimmed to cut-off level. Low Strain Integrity Testing is a comparative test method and therefore more
than one pile shall be made available for assessment on the initial visit to enable evaluation to be
meaningful.

The method works best on solid concrete sections, and has limited application to unfilled steel pipe
piles, H piles, or steel sheet piles. These data assist evaluation of the pile cross-sectional area and
length, the pile integrity and continuity, as well as consistency of the pile material, although evaluation is
relative and approximate. This test method will not provide information regarding the pile bearing
capacity

To enable this technique to be carried out, the Principal Contractor should note that:
The pile(s) need to be trimmed down to sound material and free from standing water.

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 A safe access will be provided for the test technician to gain access to ALL the pile head.
The pile cap or ground beam reinforcement must not be in place.
Although a thin layer of blinding can be in place around the pile , it must neither cover the pile
nor be greater than 75mm thick.

3b. Crosshole Sonic Logging Integrity Testing

This test method covers procedures for checking the homogeneity and integrity of concrete in deep
foundation such as bored piles, diaphragm walls, barrettes etc.

To enable this technique to be carried out, the Principal Contractor should note that:
Proper installation of the access ducts is essential for effective testing and interpretation.
 For crosshole tests, the access ducts should preferably be made of steel to prevent
debonding of the access duct from the concrete resulting in an anomaly.
 If the access duct diameter is too large it influences the precision of arrival time and relative
concrete wave speed. Access ducts typically have an internal diameter from 38 to 50 mm.
 The access ducts shall be installed such that their bottom is as close as possible to the
bottom of the concrete deep foundation element so that the bottom condition can be tested.
The access ducts shall have a minimum concrete cover of one tube diameter.
 Access tubes shall be secured to the inside of the main axial reinforcement of the steel cage
at frequent and regular intervals along their length to maintain the tube alignment during cage
lifting, lowering and subsequent concreting of the deep foundation element.
 Access ducts shall preferably be filled with water prior to, or within one hour of, concrete
placement to assure good bonding of the concrete to the tube after the concrete cools.
The method does not give the exact type of flaw (for example, inclusion, honeycombing, lack of
cement particles, etc.) but rather only that a flaw exists.

[Link]
 Typical Access Duct Configurations

Pile Protection between Installation and Testing

Between installation and testing, the access tubes protruding above the pile head must be protected
from damage, crushing and interference. They must be sealed to stop ingress of unwanted material
entering the tubes.

Grouting after Completion of Testing

The water filled access tubes usually require grouting for structural or aquifer protection reasons. The
tubes should only be grouted after confirmation of acceptable test results and that no re-testing or
tomography testing is required.

3c. Thermal Integrity Profiling

This test method covers procedures for measuring the temperature profile within a deep foundation
element constructed using cast-in-place concrete, such as bored piles and diaphragm walls, barrettes,
etc. The thermal profile induced by the curing concrete can be used to evaluate the homogeneity and
integrity of the concrete mass within the deep foundation element.
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To enable this technique to be carried out, the Principal Contractor should note that:

 Thermal sensors shall be attached to the reinforcing cage and aligned with the longitudinal
reinforcement of the foundation element corresponding to a given measurement location.
 Requires reinforcement cage(s) delivered to site in advance of installation to allow time for
fixing the appropriate number of wires.
 Proper installation of thermal sensors is necessary for effective testing and interpretation.
 The method is limited primarily to testing the concrete during the early curing process.

Pile Protection After Installation and during Monitoring

During the hydration process, the pile head and data acquisition units must be protected from
damage, crushing, infilling and excavation. A substantial exclusion or protective barrier system shall
be employed. The optimal thermal test time occurs when the core temperature reaches a peak and
provides the maximum contrast to the surrounding material, which depends on the foundation cross-
sectional area and the concrete mix. For cylindrical foundations, a minimum wait of 36 to 48 hours is
common.

Disclaimer
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for misstatements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.
Pile Testing – Interpretation

Pile Load Testing

Normally the specialist testing contractor undertakes the load test, takes measurements and then
reports the factual data.

The pile designer (whether piling contractor, Engineer, or another party) then interprets the factual
data within the context of the design as they should have full knowledge of all the relevant
information. This note is applicable to those interpreting all types of pile load test (including static,
dynamic and rapid tests).

Competence requirement for persons interpreting a Pile Load Test

There are no formal academic qualifications available for interpreting the results from a static pile load
test, but recognised dynamic testing specialists can be found at [Link] . As a
minimum, the following attributes should be demonstrable by any person carrying out such an
interpretation;

[Link] person must be able to demonstrate competence in the testing method and an
understanding of the limitations of the method in relation to the intended use of any results
obtained.

[Link] person must be able to evaluate the results within the context of the design.

[Link] person must be able to communicate findings obtained from the test to a third party who is
possibly not competent in pile testing.

Pile Integrity Testing

Normally the specialist testing contractor undertakes the test, records the measurements and then
reports the factual data with an assessment of the pile’s integrity. The specialist testing contractor will
not pass judgment within the context of the pile design and in terms of performance under load or
durability.

The piling contractor should also carry out an assessment of the results and act upon any anomalies.

This note is applicable to those interpreting all types of pile integrity test (including sonic echo,
transient dynamic response, cross hole ultrasonic logging and Thermal Integrity Profiling).

Competence requirement for persons interpreting a Pile Integrity Test

There are no formal academic qualifications available for interpreting the results from a pile integrity
test, but freely available courses, ran by specialists in this field provide competency certificates. As a
minimum, the following attributes should be demonstrable by any person carrying out such an
interpretation;
[Link] person must be able to demonstrate competence in the testing method and an
understanding of the limitations of the method in relation to the intended use of any results
obtained.
[Link] person must able to demonstrate an understanding of their own company procedures.
[Link] person must be able to evaluate the results within the context of the design.
[Link] person must be able to communicate findings obtained from the test to a third party who is
possibly not competent in pile testing.

[Link] January 2019

 Training Programme for Pile Testing Operatives
Any company undertaking pile testing should have a training scheme in place in a form similar to that
below. This is to be substantiated by company training records.

Trainee Pile Testing Technician

Name: .........................................................
Person responsible
Training Programme for arrangements
Induction
Company Policies & Procedures
Company - General Site Rules
Company Reporting Routes
Roles and Responsibilities
Environmental Awareness Training
Spill Kit & Fire Extinguisher Training

1 Day Construction Site Safety Awareness Training

CSCS Touch Screen Awareness Study
CSCS Touch Screen Test
Safe use and wearing of PPE & Safety Harnesses
Slinger / Signaller
Manual Handling
Safe Use of Equipment Briefing / Familiarisation

Site Experience
Accompanied Pile Testing
Pile Testing unaccompanied

Reviews / Reports
Initial
Interim
Issue of company competence card

Records
Log book

Note: not all of these are applicable for every type of pile test

Disclaimer
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.

[Link] January 2019

Static Pile Load Testing
Minimum Requirement for an Automated Remote Control System

To add and encourage safety to all involved an appropriate remote control system shall be employed
to help prevent accidents to those directly and indirectly involved in the testing process. The Main
Contractor and Pile Designer shall ensure the remote system is intrinsically safe, including additional
instrumentation.

As a minimum, the system shall possess;

 Ability to monitor reaction frame stability

 Detect, and react to excessive reaction frame movement as a result of a failing

anchor(s) or in the case of a kentledge stack, some form of potential toppling.

 Control systems that are autonomous and able to stop excessive parameters being breached
without manual input

 Detect, and react to an excessive hydraulic pressure difference, above or below that
to be expected as calculated from the load measured. (detection of hydraulic system
failure)
 Detect, and react to excessive pile cap rotation.
 Detect, and react to excessive Pile Displacement or an inability to comply with
Specification parameters.
 Detect, and react to an excessive time to achieve a load stage.

 Communication Links

 Alert by text/email as to the state, should any of the above be instigated.

 A Web based update available to both the specialist testing company and piling
contractor.
 Backup data both off and on site.

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Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 5

Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.

Choice of the Pile Integrity Assessment

To encourage an appropriate strategy for pile integrity testing it is recommended that the pile
designer informs the pile contractor the type and purpose of the specified pile integrity test. None of
the options provide information regarding the pile bearing capacity. The options could be one or more
of the following;

 Low Strain Impact Integrity Assessment (Sonic Echo or Transient Dynamic Response)

Most applicable to, cast in place concrete piles of diameters ranging between 250mm and
1000mm. For meaningful interpretation, length/diameter ratios less than 30 is applicable.
Not suitable for mini piles (below 250mm), steel pipe piles, H section or sheet piles. Has
limited application on precast concrete segmental piles.

The data assists evaluation of the pile cross-sectional area and length, the pile integrity and
continuity, as well as consistency of the pile material, although evaluation is relative and
approximate.

Low Strain testing may not identify all imperfections, but it can be a useful tool in identifying
major defects within the effective length.

Preferable to plan for 100% of piles to be assessed as it is commonly known that

mechanical imperfections from site activities can damage small diameter/lightly reinforced
piles.

Crosshole UltraSonic Logging

Most applicable to cast in place piles of diameters in excess of 750mm and large
length/diameter ratios, as the method is not depth dependent. Access tubes
(recommendation: one per 300mm of diameter) must be inserted to the full depth of the pile
shaft.

Test programme should start with high percentage of testing to establish installation technique
is successful, reducing for the remaining installations based on verified results.

Thermal Integrity Profiling

Most applicable to cast in place piles which contain a full length skeleton/reinforcement cage.
Sensors shall be placed within 150 mm of the bottom of the foundation element to provide
information concerning the pile base. As with crosshole logging, is not depth dependent.
 Recommendation: one wire per 300mm of diameter
and ideally even numbers to simplify interpretation.

Test programme should start with high percentage of

testing to establish installation technique is
successful, reducing for the remaining installations
based on verified results.
Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.

Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 6

Pile Load Testing
What each test type should realistically achieve.
Static
1. The test is carried out to a specified method of applying a static load incrementally to the test pile
head and measuring the pile head deflection under the applied load.

2. Static load testing will give information about the deflection versus time and load versus
deflection characteristics of the pile.

3. The test results should be presented graphically in the form of load and deflection versus
time and load versus deflection. The results should also be presented in tabular form.

4. The load versus deflection curve will provide the pile designer with data to assess the
suitability of the pile to support the structure.

5. If the pile fails to meet the specified performance criteria during the test the data can be analysed
to indicate the mode of failure.

Dynamic
1. The test is carried out to a specified method of applying a dynamic load to the head of the
pile using a pile hammer or drop weight. The resulting pile head forces and displacements
are measured (or derived from other parameters) versus time and this data is
subsequently analysed.

2. If carried out on a driven pile during driving the test will provide information on pile hammer
performance, pile driving stresses and the bearing characteristics of the pile during and at
the end of driving.

3. If carried out on a driven pile by re-striking the pile, at some time after initial driving or on a cast
in place pile, the test will give information about expected pile performance under static load.

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 4. The test results should include the measured (or derived) force and velocity versus time graph,
the computed static load versus deflection (and if required the load distribution along the pile
shaft and pile end bearing). All test results should be presented graphically and numerically.

5. Depending upon site factors the test can be used on its own or in conjunction with static load
testing to assess the suitability of the pile to support the structure for which it was
designed.

6. The test also provides information that can be used to interpret pile integrity.

Rapid
1. The rapid load test is carried out to a specified method of applying a load to the pile head utilizing
a reaction system and a rapid-burning fuel. The resulting pile head forces and displacements
are measured versus time and are subsequently analysed using computer software.

2. The test results should include the measured force and velocity versus time graph, and if
required the computed static load versus deflection. All test results should be presented
graphically and numerically.

Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or
misunderstanding arising herefrom.
Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 7

Pile Load Testing

Minimum information provided to the Testing Contractor
General
Full site address, including Project Name
Site location map
Contract identification number
Principal contractor name
Engineer’s name
Client/Employer’s name
Number of pile tests
Type of pile test, including additional monitoring, e.g anchors
Testing specification
Any particular site restrictions and site specific safety rules
Details of site induction(s)
Piling contractor’s office and site contact details, including email address for factual report
24 hour piling contractor’s contact details
Pile Information
Identification (number and location)
Pile diameter or width
Piling technique
Cast date
Ground conditions
Specified Working Load (SWL)
Design Verification Load (DVL)
Unfactored Negative Shaft Friction Load (NSF)
Peak Test Load
Design Factor of Safety
Platform level at pile position
Pile cut-off-level
Test pile head level
Vertical test pile or raking, tested in compression, tension, or laterally
Pile length in ground
Level of pile toe
Dimensions of any permanent casing or cast-in steel members
Whether test pile incorporates any instrumentation
Details of reaction arrangement
Bar size provided in any reaction piles
Test pile cap details, including cast date
[Link] January 2019
Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.
Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 8

Pile Load Testing – Test Cap

General
Dimensions for the test cap should be agreed with the testing contractor prior to its construction. The
test cap must be designed and constructed so that it;

Is concentric with the centre of pile (with a stated allowable tolerance)

Is able to safely transfer all the vertical and any other induced forces from the cap into the
pile

Comprises a continuous uniform section without any inclusions.

The design and/or the method statement should be made available to the Principal Contractor or
Engineer upon request.

For cast in situ preliminary test piles where test loading can be significant, consideration should be
given to installing steel casing for the upper few metres of pile length. This will make determining the
centre of the pile easier and avoid undesirable eccentric loading and structural failure of the top of the
pile.

If not constructed integral with the pile then the ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining
Walls requires concrete test cubes to be taken from the concrete used to cast the cap.

Dynamic Testing (Cast In-Place Piles only)

The test cap shall be formed at the same time as the installation of the pile, to ensure the concrete
properties of the shaft are the same as the sacrificial cap. The cap shall be of similar diameter as the
shaft, built up above ground in a thin walled liner and capable of withstanding the impact of a heavy
falling weight.

Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.

[Link] January 2019

Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 9

Pile Load Testing – Working Platform

Why it is important to adequately maintain the working platform

until the end of all piling activities

 The working platform provides access for all piling plant, labour and testing activities

 The working platform must be designed, constructed, maintained and repaired so as to always
provide the safe access for all piling plant, labour and testing equipment

 The working platform must have a specified design life, which is to begin before the piling
contractor starts work on site, and must not end at least until all piling works (including pile
construction, load testing, investigation of any non-conformances and the repair or
replacement of any piling works) are completed

 The FPS Working Platform Certificate, or similar, is to be used

 If the working platform is to be constructed or removed in phases whilst any piling works
are still ongoing, then the extent of these works shall be clearly described to, and agreed
with, the piling contractor

 Note that pile load testing will require safe access to the test pile position for lorries,
craneage and labour, both for erection of the test and for the dismantling of the test
afterwards.

Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or
misunderstanding arising herefrom.

[Link] January 2019

Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 10

Pile Integrity Assessments - A Good Practice Guide

1 Pile integrity assessments are normally carried out after the piling contractor has left site. It is
important therefore that the piling contractor provides the Principal Contractor with a specified
contact person who will arrange for testing to be carried out when requested.

2 The contract documentation will normally specify how many visits to site are
allowed to carry out the integrity testing or the minimum number of piles to be tested at each
visit. This aspect can be usefully addressed during the pre-start or subsequent
progress meetings.

3 It is good practice for the Principal Contractor to be provided with guidance on

the preparation of piles for testing, specifically that:
 The pile needs to be trimmed down to sound concrete.
 Safe access needs to be provided for the test technician to gain access to the head
of each pile.
 The pile cap/ground beam excavations must be clear of any standing water.
 The pile cap or ground beam reinforcement must not be in place.
 Although a thin layer of blinding can be in place around the pile, it must neither cover
the pile nor be greater than 75mm thick.

4 Where the integrity test results indicate there is an anomaly in the pile, the Principal
Contractor should be advised at the earliest opportunity so that potential problems can be
promptly addressed. It should be noted that anomalies identified at the time of testing may
be re-evaluated after processing of the data. Hence, sufficient time in the Principal
Contractor’s programme should be allowed for dealing with any potential anomalies.

Disclaimer
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in
this document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or
misunderstanding arising herefrom.

[Link] January 2019

Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 11

P
ile Integrity Assessments
Minimum information provided to the Testing Contractor
General
Full site address, including Project Name
Site location map
Contract identification number
Principal contractor name
Engineer’s name
Client/Employer’s name
Number of pile tests
Type of pile test
Any particular site restrictions and site specific safety rules
Details of site induction(s)
Piling contractor’s office and site contact details, including email address for factual report

Pile Information
Identification (numbers and locations)
Pile diameter or width
Piling technique
Ground conditions
Platform levels
Cut-off levels
As-built pile lengths in ground for every pile to be tested
As-built levels of pile bases
As-built toe levels of pile reinforcement
Dimensions of any permanent casing or cast-in steel members
Details of any flared heads or enlarged pile bases

The following information may be requested after the test;

Date of installation(s)
concrete overbreak or undersupply
records of construction or concreting sequence

Disclaimer:

[Link] January 2019

Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.
Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 12

Pile Integrity Testing

Why it is important to allow enough time
between pile integrity testing and pile cap construction?

 Pile integrity testing is an important part of the pile construction process

 There is a small risk that the pile might be damaged after construction, either by the ground
itself or by the following site activities

 When pile damage or an anomaly has been identified, it is important that the
appropriate measures are then carried out;

1. the integrity test result must be reviewed by a competent person

2. the pile construction record must be reviewed and compared to the pile integrity test
result

3. if after data processing there is still doubt regarding the pile quality, an inspection must
be made, normally requiring excavating around the pile or coring through the pile

4. if a problem is found to exist, remedial measures will then need to be designed,

approved and installed

 Hence, it is important that the site programme is designed to allow the time for reporting the
pile test results and for any subsequent checks and remedial actions, if any, to be carried out

Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or
misunderstanding arising herefrom.

[Link] January 2019

Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 13

Low Strain Pile Integrity – Evaluation Criteria

Certain limitations are inherent in low-strain integrity testing. These limitations must be understood and
taken into consideration in making the final integrity evaluation.

Integrity evaluation of a pile section below a crack that crosses the entire pile cross-sectional area or a
manufactured mechanical joint is not normally possible since the impact wave is likely to be reflected
completely at the discontinuity.

Piles with highly variable cross sections or multiple discontinuities may be difficult to evaluate. In some
cases, it may be difficult to distinguish the soil response from the pile response.

If the reflection from the pile toe is not evident in the records, the integrity evaluation may not be
conclusive and may be limited to a certain unknown depth. This limitation may apply to long or highly
variable piles or piles in soils that exhibit relatively high friction.

The test may identify minor impedance variations that may not affect the intended use of the pile. For
piles having minor impedance variations, the engineer should use judgement as to the acceptability of
these piles considering other factors such as load redistribution to adjacent piles, load transfer to the
soil above the variation, applied safety factors, and structural load requirements.

Different testing contractors use slightly different terminology for the assessment of piles. Terminology
similar to that below is recommended;

Site actions required to be

Assessment by the testing carried out by the main
Description
contractor contractor

OK Pile acoustically satisfactory None - proceed

Trim pile to sound concrete and

Trim and re-test Anomaly identified at pile head schedule a new integrity test with
the testing contractor
Acoustic review needed after Contact piling contractor. Piles to
Review detailed analysis or upon be left alone unless agreed with
receipt of further information piling contractor

Disclaimer

[Link] January 2019

Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this document,
neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding arising
herefrom.
Crosshole Sonic Logging - Criteria for Evaluating Data
The test measures the propagation time and relative energy of an ultrasonic pulse between parallel

Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 14

access ducts (crosshole) or in a single tube (single hole) installed in the deep foundation element. This
method is most applicable when performed in tubes that are installed during construction. This test can
assess the integrity of the concrete mainly in the area bounded by the access ducts, which means
typically inside the reinforcement cage.

The most common criteria for evaluating the data are the First Arrival Time (FAT) and the signal
attenuation. The pictorial presentation known as the “waterfall” is also commonly provided.
Quantitative evaluation of concrete piles using the limits below may be used for guidance;

Evaluation Increase in FAT Reduction in signal energy

Good 0 to 10% and < 6 dB

Questionable 11 to 20% and 6 to 9 dB

Flaw 21 to 30% or 9 to 12 dB

Defect > 31% or > 12 dB

Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this document,
neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding arising
herefrom.

[Link] January 2019

Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 15

Thermal Integrity Profiling - Criteria for Evaluating Data

Exothermic chemical processes generate heat as concrete cures within a cast-in-place deep
foundation element. The amount of heat generated and the rate of heat dissipation are strongly
influenced by the concrete mix and by the size and shape of the deep foundation element. Therefore,
temperature measurements within the deep foundation element provide a thermal profile from which to
evaluate the consistency of the concrete and the regularity of its shape. Temperature measured at the
reinforcing cage, typically near the perimeter, will be lower than the core temperature due to heat
dissipation into the surroundings (for example, soil, rock, water or air). If the cage is not concentric
within the foundation element, then the portions of the cage closer to the perimeter will be cooler during
those times when elevated temperatures exist. Portions closer to the center will be warmer.

A flaw in the form of a void, a neck, an inclusion, or poor quality concrete will generate less heat than
the normal concrete around it, resulting in lower temperature near the flaw. Conversely, a bulge will
have more effective concrete cover, resulting in higher temperature near the bulge. Temperature
measurements at access locations equally spaced around the circumference of the reinforcement cage
and at regular depth intervals allow the user to identify potentially weak zones of concrete, to estimate
the effective size of the foundation, and to check concrete cover and cage alignment along the length of
the foundation element.

During the initial concrete hydration period of a deep foundation element, heat production exceeds the
rate of dissipation into the surrounding material, and thus it dominates the early thermal profile.
Analysis also shows that the degree of saturation in the surrounding material has little effect on the
early thermal profile. Interpretation of the thermal profile should consider any significant changes in
the thermal diffusivity of the environment around the deep foundation element, for example, when it
extends above the ground surface through air or water.

Can be used to assess the homogeneity and integrity of concrete both inside and outside the
reinforcing cage, as well as placement of the cage relative to the center of the curing concrete.

Potential local defects indicated by locally low temperatures relative to the average temperature at
that depth, or average temperatures significantly lower than the average temperatures at other
depths, shall be immediately reported to the Engineer.

If a flaw is detected, then the method does not give the exact type of flaw (for example, inclusion,
bulge, honeycombing, lack of cement particles, and alike.) but rather only that a flaw exists.

Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.

[Link] January 2019

Federation of Piling Specialists

Testing Datasheet No. 16

P
ile Testing - Safety

Main Contractor Site Briefing & Tool Box talks SHALL include for remote load testing and strict
adherence to safety parameters re-emphasized. Exclusion Zones shall and will be maintained at all
times for all pile testing activities.

Specific hazards for pile testing may include but are not limited to the following;

1. Load Testing

Manual handling of items of test equipment.

The forces induced in the test equipment during testing can be very large indeed. Thus a
clearly marked and signed exclusion zone must be created around the test area and
access restricted.

During the test the following substances may be used: batteries, oxygen free nitrogen,
petrol/diesel and hydraulic oil. The appropriate COSHH sheets are to be made available upon
request.

Working at height during erection and dismantling of the test equipment.

The area around the test must be made suitable for the operative(s) to safely work , i.e. levelled,
hard-cored and without trip hazards.

Safe and maintained access to the test area for lorries and plant.

Lifting operations.

Use of Working Platform Certificate for the platform within and around the test area.

No excavations must take place around the test area.

2. Integrity Testing

A safe access needs to be provided for the test technician to gain access to the head of the
pile.

The pile cap/ground beam excavation must be clear of any standing water.

The pile cap or ground beam reinforcement must not be in place otherwise there will not be
safe access for the technician and protruding tie wire can cause injuries.

Disclaimer:
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information and validity of the guidance given in this
document, neither the FPS or its members accept any responsibility for mis-statements contained herein or misunderstanding
arising herefrom.
[Link] January 2019