Abstract:
Auger cast-in-place (ACIP) piles are increasingly favoured for foundation solutions due to their benefits, including fast installation, high load capacity for large piles, and minimal vibration and noise during installation. These advantages make them an attractive option for various construction projects, especially in urban environments. However, potential challenges with ACIP piles involve uncertainties regarding the as-constructed shape, structural integrity, and the application of high load capacities. Such uncertainties can impact the overall performance and safety of the foundation. To address these concerns, Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP) and Dynamic Load Testing (PDA) can be used to evaluate pile integrity, shape, and capacity with greater confidence, ultimately reducing risks associated with pile design and construction. This paper presents the integration of TIP and PDA, based on a recent test pile program. The study also explores the comparison between using a top transducer and the traditional method of attaching gauges directly to the pile. The results suggest that using the top transducer can streamline the testing process without compromising accuracy. Furthermore, TIP conducted on PDA-tested piles revealed that the short steel liners used in pile head construction were effectively bonded to the concrete, providing valuable insight into a pile element that is normally assumed to be not bonded during dynamic testing.