Interpipe Inc. is a steel pipe distributor of new
and used structural steel pipe. We have several
large stocking locations of Seamless, ERW,
Spiralweld and DSAW pipe.
2" OD–48" OD in a variety of wall thicknesses
are stocked in all locations.
Piling Pipe 80,000 min yield seamless pipe for
Micro Piling.
Seamless and ERW pipe for Driven Piles,
Screw Piles and Drill Piles.
Large Diameter pipe for Driven Piles or
Caissons.
ONTARIO
3320 Miles Road, RR#3
Mount Hope, Ontario
L0R 1WO
Local: (905) 679-6999
Toll Free: (877) 468-7473
Fax: (905) 679-6544
QUEBEC
805 1 ère Avenue
Ville Ste. Catherine, Quebec
J5C 1C5
Local: (450) 638-3320
Toll Free: (888) 514-0040
Fax: (450) 638-3340
www.interpipe.com
Leave testing to the experts
Although some testing can be done in-house, Robinson and
Bullock agree that safe, professionally executed and interpreted
testing is best left in the hands of experts.
“Personnel qualified in collecting the data should perform
the test in conjunction with personnel qualified in interpreting
the results,” said Robinson. “Some projects rely on
specialty testing firms contracted through the owner’s team
or the contractor’s team.”
Bullock advocates for independent third-party testing to
avoid a conflict of interest and stresses that the testing firm
and personnel should be qualified and experienced.
“Testers should be cognizant of the tendency to find problems
that validate their existence. A good result is just as
important as a bad one,” he said.
Contractors may resist testing because it can delay production
timelines, but a delay at the beginning of a project
will be less costly than fixing structural problems well into
the project. Some tests’ results are available in real-time,
while other results will be sent a few days after the data collection
and interpretation are complete.
As with all construction projects, safety is paramount.
Most of the tests can be performed from barges, cofferdams
and watercraft.
“A hazard assessment should be completed based on site
conditions at the time of testing, with proper protective
equipment and safeguards determined from that assessment,”
said Robinson.
What should a contractor do if the test results seem off?
Get a second opinion to validate test results – and use more
than one test. None of the current tests are infallible, nor
should any of them be used alone to reject a pile. It is also
important to look at the test results in the context of project
information such as installation records and soil borings.
When in doubt, consult industry guidelines for interpreting
test results.
Bullock cautions against creating an adversarial work
environment when parties don’t agree about test results.
“Avoid the tendency to lawyer-up or hire competing
experts with competing interests,” he said. “Anything can be
done badly, but we also have to believe the data results when
they are properly obtained. The best projects usually include
a resolution team that meets every week to resolve issues as
they arise.”
COVER FEATURE
PHOTO COURTESY OF FUGRO
PILING CANADA 39
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