Pile foundations: Inspection and tests.

As well as the required DIN documentation, JACBO commissions external service providers to perform additional pile tests for quality assurance purposes. These test loadings and checks are performed using three different processes:

1. Dynamic test loading.

The pile is loaded by an impulse-like impact from a drop weight. The resulting wave characteristics are subsequently measured at the pile head by means of a probe and are then evaluated together with the measured pile settling value.

2. STATNAMIC. Static test loading.

This test loading which is based upon the »action = reaction« principle, works by generating a force between the reaction mass and the pile head. This accelerates the reaction mass, with the same force acting on the pile. The loads and settling values are recorded by means of load cell and laser technology. The pile is not destroyed by static test loadings.

3. Integrity check.

A special hammer is used to subject the pile to impulses. The impulse wave is transmitted through the pile and the echo signal is reflected back to the pile head and is then recorded. The integrity check enables determination of pile length and changes in cross section.