Description
PSI Instrument 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 acoustic coupling with the surrounding soil.
System Components
- PSI instrument
- Sledgehammer with a trigger switch
- Digital depth meter
- Hydrophone
* PSI2 is complaint with AFNOR NF P94-160-3
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.
Advantages
- Ease of use: It is usually self-taught in less than a day. No additional expensive training is needed.
- Connects to any PC/Laptop via a standard USB port.
- Interpretation assistance and Second Opinion Services (SOS) included
