testing method or data to reassure the verticality, the performance
of the structure could be compromised. Looking for a way to
collect and assess data from the excavation, PDI created the
Shaft Area Profile Evaluator (SHAPE). This QA technology
offers measured views of the shaft, with a 3D visualization.
The SHAPE is lowered into the slurry-filled shaft via attachment
to the Kelly bar, identifying irregularities that affect shaft
performance. Built with ultrasonic scanning capabilities,
the SHAPE scans up to eight channels simultaneously, while
advancing in the excavation at a rate of one foot per second.
The built-in wireless capability allows the SHAPE data to be
quickly sent to the field tablet immediately upon exiting
the excavation.
Additional improvement needed for improved quality control
of drilled shaft construction was the cleanliness at the base of
the shaft. If the base of the drilled shaft isn’t properly cleaned,
the shaft may not perform as designed. Verifying the conditions
at the base of a drilled shaft can be challenging, but PDI
created the Shaft Quantitative Inspection Device (SQUID) to
help verify these measurements. To improve the inspection
method, SQUID takes accurate measurements of force versus
displacement at the base of the shaft, providing an objective,
quantitative assessment. The SQUID is lowered into the
excavation via attachment to the Kelly bar and provides an
accurate measurement of debris at the base as well as resistance
to penetration in the bearing material. These results can be
sent wirelessly from the drilled location to the SQUID tablet,
which allows for quick and effective testing.
These innovations offer quantitative data that can improve
the quality of drilled shafts in an efficient manner. With wired
and wireless options, the SQUID and the SHAPE are versatile
systems with quality results.
“We felt the market needed a modern and rugged device
where we eliminate common points of failure such as electronic
cables running from the surface to the device to provide
increased accuracy and performance,” said George Piscsalko,
president of PDI. “Both SHAPE and SQUID’s wireless
capabilities allow shaft integrity discussions to happen in
real time, at the jobsite or remotely via PDI’s SiteLink® technology,
saving time and money.”
SHAPE and SQUID are the latest additions to PDI’s extensive
line of quality assurance and quality control systems for the deep
foundations industry. The company is located in Cleveland,
Ohio, with offices and representatives worldwide. For more
information visit www.pile.com or contact info@pile.com today.
Pile Master air hammers hit the pile driving market
Foundation Hammers, LLC, has breathed new life into the
Pile Master Air Hammer line. Originally designed for the
dock building industry, the product line has been expanded
to suit the entire pile driving industry.
“Many air hammers are very heavy, require a lot of air
to operate and are not efficient,” said Mike Roberts of
Foundation Hammers. “We designed the Pile Master hammer
to be lightweight, require less air and be able to produce up
to 90 per cent impact energy transfer with an air compressor
as small as 185 CFM.”
INDUSTRY NEWS
CONTINUED ON PAGE 79
76 Q4 2019 www.pilingcanada.ca
/www.pile.com
link
/www.pile.com
/www.pilingcanada.ca
link
