Testing piles in place

[ukengineer58]

Hi wondering if anyone has a method of integrity testing piles that are part of a foundation. We want to use the foundation again but need to confirm pile is still in good shape, hopefully without breaking out the foundation slab.

 

[DRC1]

We have done static load testing of existing timber piles under railroad piers. With appropriate shoring, we excavated below the foundation, exposing the piles. We cut out the top foot or two of a pile, poured a collar of self leveling epoxy and jacked against the existing foundation. After the test, we made a steel filler to replace the cut out section

 

[BigH]

Be careful about exposing timber piles. I know of a case where the structure was supported on timber piles, many years later they dug one out to look at it - it was in good shape. A year later they re-dug it out and it had deteriorated. Maybe not in all cases - but it can happen.

 

[DRC1]

Good Point. This work was above the water table. However, where piles below the water table are exposed, they can deteriorate quickly. I understand that this type of work is common in Boston and when such piles are exposed, they are kept wet by a continuous stream of water running over the pile from a garden hose