Pile Integrity Test
(Low Strain Dynamic Testing)

Low-strain dynamic testing to assess the structural integrity of cast-in-place and driven piles — detecting defects such as cracks, necking, voids and major cross-section changes without excavation.

Overview

What is the Pile Integrity Test?

The Pile Integrity Test (PIT), also known as Low Strain Dynamic Testing or Sonic Echo Test, uses a hand-held hammer impact on the pile head and measures the resulting stress wave propagation using a receiver. Reflections from pile toe, defects or cross-section changes are analysed to assess pile integrity and estimate pile length.

Conducted as per ASTM D5882 and IS 14893, this is the most widely used method for quality assurance of large numbers of piles rapidly and economically. Global Lab conducts PIT testing on bored, driven, CFA and micro piles across all types of infrastructure projects.

Rapid 100% Testing

Test 50–100 piles per day — suitable for full-project acceptance testing.

Detects Major Defects

Identifies necking, bulging, cracks, voids and soil inclusions in pile shaft.

Estimates Pile Length

Confirms pile length against design — critical for piles without construction records.

Non-Destructive

Only a hand-held hammer tap required — no drilling, excavation or damage.

NABL Certified Reports

All results issued on NABL-accredited letterhead per ASTM D5882 / IS 14893.

All Pile Types

Suitable for bored, driven, CFA, micro piles and barrettes.

Test in Action

Pile Integrity Test — Site Images

Accelerometer Fixed to Pile Head

Engineer Performing Hand Hammer Impact

PIT Signal Analysis on Display

Test Procedure

How the Pile Integrity Test is Conducted

1

Pile Head Preparation

Pile head is cleaned, levelled and polished (500mm dia. area) to ensure good accelerometer contact and smooth wave propagation.
2

Accelerometer Attachment

A highly sensitive accelerometer is fixed to the prepared pile head using vacuum cup or wax coupling.
3

Hand Hammer Impact

A light hand hammer (instrumented or standard) is used to strike the pile head to generate a low-strain stress wave.
4

Signal Recording & Analysis

The velocity trace of the reflected stress wave is recorded and analysed using Pile Integrity Tester software (PILE-O-MATICS or similar).
5

Defect Classification & Reporting

Signal reflections are interpreted against CAPWAP/PDI criteria. Defect severity is classified and NABL report issued within 24 hours.

Standards & Specifications

Applicable Test Standards

Standard	Title	Scope	Type
ASTM D5882	Standard Test Method for Low Strain Impact Integrity Testing of Deep Foundations	Integrity Test	ASTM
IS 14893	Non-Destructive Integrity Testing of Piles — Guidelines	Pile Testing	Indian Standard
BS EN ISO 22477-10	Geotechnical Investigation — Testing of Piles by Low Strain Dynamic Testing	Foundation Testing	European Standard
AASHTO T299	Pulse Velocity Method for Concrete	Wave Velocity	AASHTO

Applications

Where is the CAPO Test Used?

Quality assurance acceptance testing of all bored and driven piles

Investigation of suspect piles flagged during construction

Verification of pile length where construction records are incomplete

Post-construction audit for NHAI, metro and port infrastructure piles

Assessment of piles after foundation failure or anomalous settlement

Comparison of piles tested pre- and post-load to monitor integrity

Why Choose Global Lab

Our Advantages

NABL Accredited ReportsGovernment-accepted certificates for NHAI, Railways, PWD and all statutory bodies.

Latest PIT EquipmentPIX and Pile-O-MATICS equipment with full signal processing and CAPWAP analysis.

Autovity Digital PlatformAccess all pile test reports digitally from any device 24/7.

High Testing RateUp to 100 piles per day — ideal for large infrastructure projects with tight timelines.

Pan-India CoverageTeams deployed across 7 lab locations for rapid project mobilisation.

Combined Testing PackagesPIT + PDLT + Static Load Test packages for comprehensive foundation assessment.

Pile Integrity Test(Low Strain Dynamic Testing)