Thermal Integrity Profiling

Thermal Integrity Test

Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP) is performed in accordance with ASTM-D7949. This method determines the integrity of the whole cross-sectional area, including outside the reinforcing cage of cast in place concrete foundations such as drilled shafts, bored, augured cast-in-place (ACIP), continuous flight auger (CFA) and drilled displacement piles. To do so, the Thermal Integrity Profiler (TIP™) of Pile Dynamics Inc. using embedded Thermal Wire Cable measures the heat generated by the curing cement (hydration energy) along the entire length, without maximum length limitations.

Because the method relies on the heat of hydration, TIP testing is general done between 8 and 48 hours of concrete placement (note the optimum TIP testing time is dependent on shaft size and concrete mix and could range from 4 to 72 hours).

TIP measurements that are cooler than normal indicate inclusions, necks, or poor quality concrete; while warmer than normal measurements are indicative of bulges outside of the cage diameter. Variations in temperature between diagonally opposite pairs of Thermal Wire Cables reveal cage eccentricities, such as cage misalignment.

The actual number of Thermal Wire Cables installed is typically designed as one Thermal Wire Cable for every 0.25m to 0.35m (10 inches to 14 inches) of shaft diameter, with a minimum of four Thermal Wire Cables. Shafts with different diameters at the same site may require a different number of Thermal Wire Cables.

Pile QA has extensive experience with the data collection and interpretation of various integrity test methods for deep foundations. Depending on the region and your need, we may provide different combination of services including: total data collection by our trained personnel, provide testing equipment for hire, analysis, interpretation and reporting. Even if you are a new born testing consultant or if you are a piling contractor starting to have your in-house testing department, we stand by your side by training and supervising your own personnel.

Pile QA is not just a professional piling and testing consultant, but also is structured to serve you at all levels as your back-office engineering support. Write to us about your projects or personnel requirements and we will get back to you with a fair solution!

*Training, Analysis and Reporting are provided worldwide. Please check if data collection and hiring services are available in your area. Terms and conditions apply.

Let us know if you have any queries!

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