Pile Dynamics Inc. (PDI) has reengineered its traditional Pile Integrity Tester (PIT) model.
The updated model gives the PIT a large and bright color screen, a lighter enclosure and a USB port for data transfer. This model is available with one (PIT-V) or two (PIT-FV) channels of data acquisition, both traditional (wired). The PIT-FV is most often supplied with one accelerometer that provides velocity data through integration and one instrumented hammer, but may also be used with 2 accelerometers. Some special technical applications require two acceleration inputs.
PDI says that for more than 20 years, the PIT has been the go-to instrument for low strain integrity testing of deep foundations. In its simplest configuration, PIT performs pulse echo tests and consists of a main unit, one accelerometer and one hand held hammer. The hammer is used to impact the top of the foundation, producing a wave that propagates down the shaft and reflects back up. The reflected waves are received by an accelerometer, which is attached, typically with wax, to the pile top. The main unit provides the testing professional with a velocity as a function of time log that may reveal a compromised foundation element. Some PIT models enable tests where two accelerometers are used, or where the hand held hammer is instrumented with an accelerometer, for an alternate method of integrity analysis.
A few years ago, PDI released the PIT-X, a very compact Pile Integrity Tester that weighs only 500 grams and has a wireless configuration option, meaning no cables are needed to connect accelerometers or instrumented hammers to the main unit.
Image from PDI
Subscribe
