Non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques based on surface reflection of stress-wave have been successfully used for the integrity testing of newly-built individual piles. However, for piles with pile cap, previous studies have shown that the stress-wave reflected from the boundary of pile cap may cause difficulties in determining their integrity. In order to minimize the effects of stress-wave reflected from pile cap, three model piles (one is intact and the other two are with defects) were constructed with embedded accelerometers inside the pile in this study. Conventional Sonic Echo test and tests with embedded accelerometers were performed to assess their integrity. Results of these tests indicate that, in comparison to the surface reflection NDT method, testing with embedded accelerometers is more accurate in assessing the integrity of these model piles.
Nondestructive pile integrity testing (PIT) methods based on the propagation of sonic/ultrasonic waves have been widely used for the quality assurance of newly constructed drilled shafts. However, application of these techniques for forensic investigations of existing piles may encounter difficulties that are due to the existence of a pile cap. In this article, the boundary effects of pile caps on the signal of PIT methods were studied by numerical simulation and tests on three model piles. The feasibility of assessing the integrity of a capped pile by embedded accelerometers was also investigated. Results of this study indicate that it is too difficult to assess the integrity of a capped pile with the conversional Sonic Echo PIT method. On the other hand, it is possible to detect the defect or pile toe with embedded accelerometers, especially when multiple receivers are used with the Ultra Seismic techniques.
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