ULTRASONIC PILE TESTING

AKA: Crosshole sonic logging / CSL test, "Sonic logging" or "Sonic coring"

The following describes the method for the crosshole sonic logging / csl test using csl sonic tubes.For the ultrasonic test, at least two sonic tubes (either plastic or steel, a minimum diameter of 50 mm or 2"), are cast in the pile and filled with water.A transmitter of ultrasonic pulses (as in CHUM) is lowered in one of those pipes and a receiver in another. (With CHUM, both can function as a receiver or transmitter.) Both transmitter and receiver are connected by cables to the CHUM which records the first arrival time (FAT) and the energy attenuation as the probes are simultaneously raised to the top. Experience it on this CHUM CSL testing video

As long as the FAT and the energy attenuation are roughly constant, one may deduct that the concrete quality is also uniform and the pile is therefore acceptable.
On the other hand, if at some level there is a noticeable increase in the FAT and/or in the energy attenuation (also referred to as Relative Energy testing), it means that the concrete at this level is inferior or defective. In such a case, the test may be re-run with the transmitter and receiver at different levels (scanning of the defect area), a technique that enables the determination of both location and extent of the defect (tomography - 2D on-site and 3D offsite). Installing a larger number of pipes on the perimeter gives almost complete coverage of the pile cross-section.

Because of the character of the ultrasonic method, it can detect defects that may escape detection by other pile integrity testing methods (like PET). It is especially suitable for testing large-diameter piles, secant pile walls, and slurry-wall elements.

If a defect is found, the steel tubes may be pierced at the corresponding depth and the pile repaired by grouting.

The piles can be tested after the concrete has gained some strength, usually at an age of five days or more from casting.