Combined Parallel Seismic and Cone Penetrometer Testing of Existing Foundations for Foundation Length and Evaluation

Abstract

The use of the Parallel Seismic (PS) test method has been well documented and has been shown to be effective for foundation length evaluation when used with a cased borehole adjacent to the foundation being evaluated. In addition, the use of the Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) to evaluate soil properties without a borehole has also been well documented. Recent research, hardware development, and field testing have been conducted on a system which combines the two methods to allow fast and economical evaluation of both soil properties and foundation depth without requiring a drill rig. The combined system collects both PS and CPT data in one or two probe pushes into the soil. The combined system also uses a relatively low clearance rig which is self-propelled and designed for use on rough conditions. Thus, access is possible to bridge foundations that could not be tested with conventional means. The paper presents details of the principles and operations of the combined system, as well as field test data from driven pile bridge foundations as well as steel sheet piles under levee walls in New Orleans.