The pile integrity test (PIT) uses the low strain method for detection of defects in foundations and bridge piles. To develop confidence in the results of PIT, the test needs to be calibrated against known defects, and its detection accuracy determined. For this purpose the test was performed on seven buried piles, six of which include intentional defects of predefined size and location. Comparison was made between test predictions and actual defect sizes and locations to determine the level of detection accuracy by PIT. Test results showed that the method can detect location and size of the smallest defect (18 per cent of the pile gross cross sectional area) with reasonable accuracy. Further investigation and calibration are required on piles with smaller defects to increase the level of confidence and accuracy of the method. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217099.
Abstract