Parallel Seismic Instrument

Description

PSI uses the well-known Parallel Seismic method to establish the depth of existing foundations (specifically piles) where the superstructure precludes access to the pile heads.

The test requires the installation of a plastic access tube in parallel, and as close as possible, to the tested pile. The tube should be carried down to a depth exceeding the assumed pile length by a margin of 8-10 m and filled with water. In unsaturated soils the tube should be firmly grouted in the hole to achieve good coupling with the surrounding soil.

System Components:

1. PSI instrument
2. Sledgehammer equipped with a trigger switch
3. Digital depth meter (Optionally wireless)
4. Hydrophone

Operation

As the hydrophone is lowered in stages inside the access tube, the superstructure is hit with the hammer and the pulse arriving at the hydrophone is recorded in the PC that is connected to the instrument. When all the pulses thus collected are plotted versus the respective depths, they show a typical break in the slope at the depth where the pile tip is located.