PSI uses the well-known Parallel Seismic method to establish the depth of
existing foundations (specifically piles) where the superstructure precludes
access to the pile heads.
The test requires the installation of a plastic access tube in parallel,
and as close as possible, to the tested pile. The tube should be carried
down to a depth exceeding the assumed pile length by a margin of 8-10 m and
filled with water. In unsaturated soils the tube should be firmly grouted in
the hole to achieve good coupling with the surrounding soil.
System Components:
PSI instrument
Sledgehammer equipped with a trigger switch
Digital depth meter (Optionally wireless)
Hydrophone
Operation:
As the hydrophone is lowered in stages inside the
access tube, the superstructure is hit with the hammer and the pulse
arriving at the hydrophone is recorded in the PC that is connected to the
instrument. When all the pulses thus collected are plotted versus the
respective depths, they show a typical break in the slope at the depth where
the pile tip is located.
Main features:
Easy to use: it is usually self-taught in less than a day. No additional
expensive training is needed.
Connects to any PC/Laptop via a standard USB port.
Interpretation assistance and Second Opinion Services (SOS) included.
