Why Aren't We Testing 100% of the Piles?

Gadi Lahat
Jul 20
2 min read

Updated: Aug 5

Let's Talk Foundation Integrity.

It's a question that often crosses my mind in the construction industry: When the cost of testing a pile is a fraction of the pile's overall cost, and negligible compared to the potential damage and remediation expenses a foundation failure can incur, why do we so often settle for testing only a small percentage?

Typically, we see pile testing percentages ranging from a mere 1% to 10%, sometimes slightly higher for critical structures. While this approach is rooted in statistical sampling and the assumption of uniformity in construction practices, it leaves a significant margin for error.

Consider the implications:

Cost vs. Risk: The investment in thoroughly testing every single pile seems like a no-brainer when weighed against the catastrophic financial and reputational damage of a foundation collapse, project delays, or costly rework.

Technological Advancements: With modern non-destructive testing methods becoming increasingly efficient and affordable, the logistical hurdles associated with 100% testing are diminishing. Techniques such as Low Strain Integrity Testing (PIT) or Cross-Hole Sonic Logging (CSL) provide rapid and reliable insights into pile integrity without significant disruption.

Enhanced Confidence & Safety: Imagine the peace of mind for engineers, developers, and future occupants knowing that the entire foundation has been rigorously verified. This translates directly to increased project quality, safety, and long-term durability.

Preventative vs. Reactive: Investing in comprehensive testing upfront shifts us from a reactive "fix-it-when-it-breaks" mindset to a proactive "prevent-it-from-breaking" approach.

I understand the pressures of budget and schedule, but are we truly optimizing for long-term value and risk mitigation by limiting our foundation pile integrity testing?

I believe it's time for a more robust conversation about increasing the standard for pile testing.

What are your thoughts?

Do you believe 100% testing is feasible and desirable?

What are the biggest barriers you've encountered in advocating for more comprehensive testing on your projects?

Comment below You can read more about the matter in this blog - The value of Random Testing.

What percentage of piles do you usually test, on a construction site?