Standardization News

A proposed new ASTM International standard will cover procedures for assessing the integrity of concrete in cast-in-place deep foundation elements such as bored piles, drilled shafts and auger cast piles.

The proposed standard, WK34326, Test Method for Integrity Testing of Concrete Deep Foundations by Thermal Profiling, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D18.11 on Deep Foundations, part of ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock.

Garland Likins, Pile Dynamics Inc., and a D18 member, says WK34326 will be useful because it will enable the evaluation of a total concrete cross section, including the concrete outside the reinforcing cage.

Geotechnical and structural engineers working with state highway departments on designing or specifying drilled shafts will be likely users of the proposed standard once it has been approved. The standard also can apply to drilled shafts or augered piles intended for private projects.

CONTACT Technical Information: Garland Likins, Pile Dynamics Inc. • Cleveland, Ohio • Phone: 216-831-6131 O ASTM Staff: Robert Morgan • Phone: 610-832-9732 O Upcoming Meeting: Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2012 • January Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.

Integrity testing of a drill shaft by thermal profiling. Shown in upper center is the instrument TIP (thermal integrity profiler) and in lower center a thermal acquisition port, which acquires data collected by a probe and transfers it to the TIP.