Concrete pile integrity

The integrity or quality of a grouted concrete pile can be checked using the acoustic wave method, such as the PIT (Pile Integrity Tester), which is a low stain dynamic testing, or the ground penetrating radar (GPR) technique. 

AS 2159 1995. Piling Design and installation. Standard Association of Australia. 

BS 8004 1986. Code of practice for foundations. British Standard Institutions. London. 

Estimation of the ultimate load of piles from tests not carried to failure. Proceedings of 2nd South East Asian Conference on Soil Engineering. Singapore 81-90. 

A review of some pile settlement acceptance criteria. Malaysian Geotechnical Conference. 

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Figure 11.10. Checking concrete pile integrity using GPR technique (from Kong et al. 1997).

Kong, F.N., Bahia, H.M. Huat, B.B.K. 1997. Radar tomography checking concrete pile integrity. Non... 

A specific technique for the seismic retrofit of concrete columns consists in wrapping these elements by resin-impregnated fabrics or sheets (Fig. 12.1(b)). Installation of composite jackets or rigid shells can also be used for the rehabilitation of severely corroded or degraded concrete piles, as they both restore the integrity of the structure and act as a protective barrier against further penetration of deleterious species (chloride, moisture, etc.). 

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