Determining the structural characteristics of existing foundations is a critical aspect of infrastructure maintenance and development, particularly when details of the original construction are unavailable. This study focuses on the non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of an H-pile foundation located in Edmonton, Alberta, as part of a major pipeline infrastructure project. The evaluation sought to determine the length of Steel H-Piles supporting a transmission tower foundation critical to the pipeline system.

Determine the Length of Steel H-Piles – Our Methodology

Non-destructive testing methods were employed to determine the pile’s total length, provide insights into its structural continuity, and identify potential anomalies. By leveraging advanced NDE techniques, the project aimed to enhance understanding of the pile’s foundation while minimizing disruption to the surrounding structure. The non-destructive testing program involved three advanced methods: Parallel Seismic Test, Inductive Test, and Guided Surface waves.

1 – Parallel Seismic Testing

Parallel Seismic (PS) is a non-destructive test method that measures the length of deep foundations by analyzing the propagation of seismic waves. The test involves generating stress waves at the surface and recording their transmission through the surrounding soil using a hydrophone placed in a borehole parallel to the foundation.

Determine the Length of Steel H-Piles Parallel Seismic

Preparation of Borehole
A borehole was drilled adjacent to the H-pile foundation, extending beyond the anticipated length of the pile. A PVC access tube was installed within the borehole, and the surrounding space was grouted to ensure stability. The tube was filled with water to facilitate wave transmission and ensure accurate seismic readings. The preparation was conducted following industry best practices to maximize the quality and clarity of the test results.

Seismic Testing Procedure
A high-precision hydrophone was lowered into the borehole at consistent depth increments. At each interval, stress waves were generated by applying consistent strikes to the side of the H-pile with an instrumented sledgehammer, ensuring repeatable impact conditions. The resulting seismic waves were detected by the hydrophone and recorded for further analysis.

Data Collection and Processing
Waveforms captured by the hydrophone were analyzed to determine the arrival times of P-waves at various depths. These data points were processed using advanced signal analysis techniques, including filtering to reduce noise and enhance clarity. The change in P-wave arrival time was used to determine the length of steel H-Piles.

2 – Length Inductive Testing Equipment (LITE)

The Length Inductive Testing Equipment (LITE) was utilized to determine the depth of the steel H-pile foundation. This advanced tool employs an inductive field method to sense and record the length of steel elements, making it ideal for accurately measuring the depth of unknown foundations. LITE is particularly effective for steel components, including H-Piles, Steel Sheet Piles, and Pipe Piles, providing reliable data without invasive procedures.

In this evaluation, LITE was used to identify the pile’s total depth and assess its suitability for continued use. The technology is especially valuable in scenarios where existing foundations are being considered for reuse or when structural concerns such as settlement or scour necessitate an understanding of the foundation’s bearing capacity. This method ensured accurate and non-invasive results, contributing to the overall assessment of the structure.

3 – Guided Waves to Determine the Length of Steel H-Piles

The Guided Waves Method was employed to determine the length of the H-pile foundation using non-destructive testing (NDT). This advanced technique uses low-frequency stress waves that travel through the pile and reflect upon encountering structural boundaries, such as the pile toe or internal defects. By analyzing the travel time of these waves, the pile’s length can be accurately estimated, and potential issues can be identified.

 

Key Findings

Pile Length Determination
The combination of non-destructive testing techniques, including Parallel Seismic testing, Guided Waves Method, and Length Inductive Testing Equipment (LITE), provided a comprehensive evaluation of the H-pile foundation. The results confirmed that the pile extended significantly below ground level, with measurements aligning with design expectations for this type of structure. These findings offered critical insights into the pile’s depth and suitability for its intended purpose, ensuring confidence in its performance.

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