A pile integrity test using the SIT/PIT method is carried out in order to determine the continuity/length of the pile and the possible existence of defects or anomalies in the pile. The method gives reliable results and is very simple.
The SIT method belongs to the group of non-destructive methods that can test several dozen piles in a day.
Application of the SIT method does not require special pile preparation. The pile should be trimmed to sound concrete, without soil residues on top of the pile and similar obstacles that would make it impossible to obtain a high-quality reflectogram.
The method is based on the theory of mechanical wave propagation through the pile (1D method). The wave propagates at sound frequencies. We apply the SIT method in two forms. The first form involves measuring only the acceleration of the pile head, and the second involves measuring the impact force (load) using an instrumented hand hammer. The second form of testing, so-called Transient Response Method, allows one to assess the size of defects and anomalies of the defective pile. In this way, the structural load capacity of the defective pile can be assessed in more detail.
