Significance and Use
4.1 Low strain impact integrity testing provides acceleration or velocity and force (optional) data on slender structural elements (that is, structural columns, driven concrete piles, cast in place concrete piles, concrete filled steel pipe piles, timber piles, etc.). 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 approximate. This test method will not provide information regarding the pile bearing capacity. It is generally helpful to consider the soil profile, construction method and site records when evaluating data obtained by this method. Other useful information to consider and compare with results of this test includes low strain integrity test results of similar piles at the same site, concrete cylinder or core strength test results, automated monitoring data on equipment placing the concrete when augered piles are used, or information obtained from crosshole sonic logging (Test Method D6760) or thermal integrity profiling (Test Methods D7949) if available.
4.1.1 Methods of Testing:
4.1.1.1 Pulse Echo Method (PEM)—The pile head motion is measured as a function of time. The time domain record is then evaluated for pile integrity.
4.1.1.2 Transient Response Method (TRM)—The pile head motion and force (measured with an instrumented hammer) are measured as a function of time. The data are evaluated usually in the frequency domain.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the integrity of individual vertical or inclined piles by measuring and analyzing the velocity (required) and force (optional) response of the pile induced by an (hand held hammer or other similar type) impact device usually applied axially and perpendicularly to the pile head surface. This test method is applicable to long structural elements that function in a manner similar to any deep foundation units (such as driven piles, augeured piles, or drilled shafts), regardless of their method of installation provided that they are receptive to low strain impact testing.
1.2 This standard provides minimum requirements for low strain impact testing of piles. Plans, specifications, and/or provisions prepared by a qualified engineer, and approved by the agency requiring the test(s), may provide additional requirements and procedures as needed to satisfy the objectives of a particular test program.
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.6 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this standard is beyond its scope.
1.7 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1: he quality of the result produced by this test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/ inspection/etc. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
