Product Archive

• Cross-Hole Sonic Logging (CSL] allows for the detection of concrete defects such as poor quality concrete, soil inclusions, voids, honeycombing and slurry inclusions. This method is applicable to piles of any dimensions and can be used on diaphragm wall or any similar concrete structures. It gives indications of the concrete quality down the entire pile shaft; it does not however provide information about the concrete outside the reinforcement cage and does not clearly identify the type of detected defect.

• CSL is achieved by the use of sonic transmitter and receiver probes which are lowered down the pile shaft through pre-installed access tubes. An ultrasonic pulse generator sends pulses to the transmitter probe where they are converted into ultrasonic waves that are received by the receiver probe. The propagation time of the ultrasonic signals between the tubes is measured and stored while the meter-wheel provides the corresponding depth. Variations in signal arrival time and strength indicate areas that may require further investigation.

• The basic purpose of this test is to evaluate pile static capacity, its structural integrity as well as hammer performance, pile stresses and soil characteristics, such as soil damping coefficients. On-site evaluation of the test results by a trained and experienced professional would determine if the pile is to be accepted or rejected.
• The test is conducted by impacting the pile top with a drop hammer from a predetermined height. The impact produces a compressive wave that travels down the shaft of the foundation. Strain transducers and accelerometers are attached to diagonally opposite sides of the pile cap which respectively measure the strain and acceleration induced into the pile. Strain measurements are converted to force and acceleration records to velocities by a Pile Driving Analyzer®. Force and velocity measurements facilitate estimating soil resistance and its distribution.
• The collected test data is analyzed and processed by computer software such as CAPWAP® [Case Pile Wave Analysis Program] to estimate total bearing capacity of a pile or shaft, as well as resistance distribution along the shaft and at the toe, producing the graphs shown opposite.

Concrete constituents are tested to ensure conformance to project specifications:

• Physical properties of cement

• Chemical analysis of aggregates

• Organic impurities in fine aggregates for concrete

• Potential alkaline reactivity of aggregates

• Particle density [spec. Gravity] and water absorption of aggregates

• Aggregate moisture content

• Aggregate crushing value

• Particle size distribution of aggregates

• Soundness of aggregates

• Ten percent fines value

• Aggregate impact value

• Flakiness index

• Elongation index

• Los Angeles abrasion of aggregates

• Shell content

• Sulfate content of aggregates

• Chloride content

• Admixture test

• Chemical analysis of water

A trial mix is routinely made for testing purposes to ensure that proposed mix designs meet requirements. The following tests are conducted on ready mix concrete:

• Slump

• Temperature upon delivery

• 3 days’ compressive strength [depending on project requirements]

• 7 days’ compressive strength

• 28 days’ compressive strength

• Durability

  • Initial surface absorption

  • Water permeability

  • Water absorption

  • Rapid chloride permeability

In addition to supplying mill certificates for all deformed steel rebar to be used for the fabrication of reinforcement cage, batches are also tested for the following:

• Tensile strength

• Bending /re-bending

• Chemical analysis

• At Construction Piling Company, we take great pride in the quality of work we produce. We spare no effort or expense to maintain our exemplary health, safety, environmental and quality records. Our reputation in our areas of operation and the very high percentage of returning clients are clear indications of our performance. This is all achieved by our very well trained, dedicated and experienced project teams, by maintaining an impressive top of the line fleet of equipment and by a quality department with the highest standards. This quality system is composed of policies, procedures and records that are integrated into everything we do.

• Though continuously improving, this system has provided us with a robust framework that allows for smooth operations and facilitates consistency in project quality control and services.

• The characteristics that compose and define our proactive quality system and associated processes are as follows:

• People are behind the success of our business. Proper recruitment, training and a generous incentive program bring out the best in our employees.

• We hold individuals and groups responsible for achieving the expected level of quality.

• Clear, concise and practical quality policies and standards and process end goals.

• A clear, well organized, carefully planned system of verification and inspection.

• A corrective and preventive action system that minimizes or eliminates the repetition of non conformance and reduces rework.

• Continuous review and update of the whole system.

• Conformance is the measure of quality; hence quality requirements should be clear and verifiable so that they are easily understood by all parties. Construction Piling Company puts into practice an effective quality control system implemented by qualified engineers to observe, monitor, verify and inspect all definable features of work on a project in order to assure conformance.

• Quality and Inspection and Testing Plans are developed specifically for each project to encompass all project quality assurance requirements. Experienced test technicians are directly involved in all testing operations, while an alert team of quality control engineers observe and ensure that all test setups, piling operations and activities comply with project requirements. Comprehensive piling records are punctually completed, reviewed for accuracy and filed by the quality assurance department.

• According to project requirements, various tests, measurements and inspections are conducted to ensure the integrity and reliability of the constructed piles. Material tests are performed on concrete, its constituents and on steel to be used for the fabrication of the reinforcement cages. All finished piles are inspected for verticality and location and tested for integrity. A percentage of all other piles are subjected to other types of testing as required.

• Construction Piling Company performs all static load tests and inspections in witness of the consultant representative and the expert assistance of a third party when and if required. A qualified, certified and approved third party performs all other material and pile tests.

• The sampling frequencies for these tests are determined by the project specifications or by referenced standards. All required testing is clearly identified and listed in the Project Inspection and Testing Plan for ease of reference and control.