FROM THEORY TO FIELD EXPERIENCE WITH THE NON-DESTRUCTIVE VIBRATION TESTING OF PILES

The paper gives a brief outline of the principle of a non-destructive pile testing method by vibration and presents a summary of the parameters which may be obtained from velocity response graphs for cylindrical concrete piles excited by a vibrator. Consideration of the behaviour of ideal piles provides a means of interpreting these parameters. The effect of important defects in piles on the shape of their response graphs is considered by computer analysis of an electrical analogue of their mechanical behaviour. Examples of vibration test results on piles at five sites are given (two in France and three in Great Britain). With a knowledge of the geotechnical conditions of the site and of the type of pile used, it is shown that information can be obtained from the vibration tests about the length and continuity of the piles, their concrete quality and the quality of the Anchorage of the pile in the ground. This information is obtained from comparison of test results across any given site, and not from unique tests. A correlation between measured pile head stiffness and pile shaft diameter is suggested for end bearing piles 5-15 M long passing through soft deposits. /Author/TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Civil Engineers

  One Great George Street, Westminster
  London,   United Kingdom  SW1P 3AA
• Authors:
  • DAVIS, A G
  • Dunn, C S
• Conference:
  • Institution of Civil Engineers, Proceedings
• Publication Date: 1974-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 571-593
• Serial:
  • Volume: 57

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Anchorages; Cast in place concrete; Concrete; Defects; Digital computers; Graphics; Information processing; Nondestructive tests; Quality control; Reinforced concrete; Structural tests; Support piles; Tests; Velocity; Vibration
• Uncontrolled Terms: Graphical analysis; Parameters; Quality
• Old TRIS Terms: Concrete piles; Pile tests
• ITRD Terms: 6471: Analysis (math); 4781: Cast in situ concrete; 5238: Defect (tech); 8673: Digital computer; 6216: Non destructive testing; 3399: Pile; 9063: Quality; 4794: Reinforced concrete; 6255: Test; 5558: Vibration
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Geotechnology; Highways; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00096877
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1975 12:00AM