The Pile Integrity Tester (PIT) is a low strain integrity testing device that uses pulse echo or transient response methods to find defects, cracks or voids in piles. PIT gives peace of mind that a pile or shaft is free of major cracks and voids, prior to construction of the superstructure.
It may be used on most concrete or wood foundations. The PIT may also be used to test piles integral in the structure, such as those supporting existing bridges or towers, and may assess their length.
This method of testing is non-destructive, making it a popular choice for finding defects. With the PIT main unit and hammers, testing can be performed quickly and efficiently, saving time and resources. The PIT test consists of attaching one or two accelerometers to the foundation and using a hand-held hammer to impact it.
The PIT collects the acceleration data and displays curves that reveal any significant changes in cross section that may exist along the shaft. The PIT-W software post-processes the data and generates reports, while the PIT-S software simulates a PIT test and performs simplified signal matching to assess the shape of the foundation.