SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK

Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3

ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

Method Statement
for
Pile Integrity Testing by PET – Pile Echo Test
According to SR ASTM D 5882/2005

CASIMCEA WIND PARK

PHASE I – 43 WECs

Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3

TULCEA County, ROMANIA

to Mr. Ingo Wiedenbein - Projektmanagement

Mr. Roland Zetzsche - Projektmanagement

ENERCON GmbH
August-Bebel-Damm 24-30
D - 39126 Magdeburg
GERMANY

00 10.06.2011 First Edition Tudor Saidel

REVIZIE DATA MODIFICĂRI SEMNĂTURA EMITENTULUI
REVISION DATE MODIFICATIONS THE ISSUER'S SIGNATURE

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 SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

1. General
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the integrity of individual vertical or
inclined piles by measuring and analyzing the velocity (required) and force (optional) of the
pile induced by an (hand held hammer or other similar type) impact device applied axially to
the pile normally at the pile head. Thos test method is applicable to long structural elements
that function in a manner similar to foundation piles, regardless of their method of
installation provided that they are receptive to low strain impact testing.

Testing on site

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 SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

1.2 Symbols and definitions used in the analysis of concrete’s integrity by mechanical
impedance method:
 a Acceleration [m /s2]
 A Pile’s cross-sectional area [m2]
 c Wave’s propagation velocity [m/s], c = √E/ρ
 d Pile’s diameter [m]
 E Dynamic elasticity modulus [MN/m2], E = c∙ρ
 G Gravitational acceleration 9.81 [m/s2]
 L Pile’s length to the measuring point [m]
 t Time [s]
 v(t) Particle’s velocity [m/s]
 v1=v(t1) Particle’s velocity at moment t1 [m/s]
 v2=v(t2) Particle’s velocity at moment t2= t1+ 2L/c [m/s]
 Z=E-A/c Impedance [kN∙s/m]

1.3 Method principle:

The method is based on the propagation properties of a wave in a homogenous and elastic
body, through macroscopic deformations (low strain). A similar mathematical model can be
simulated through rows of balls connected to each other by springs.

In reality, due to the non-homogenous nature of concrete, the propagation also distributes
laterally, thus the return signal is significantly reduced, especially in high frictional soils such
as sands. In general, the response spectrum is logarithmically amplified in order to
compensate for this reduction.

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 SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

Response of a floating pile Response of an end-bearing pile (embedded in

rock)
Depending on the type of pile base the signal returns from, we can determine if the pile was
correctly executed. Furthermore, especially for piles embedded in rock the necessity of
base injection for a better fixing in the bedrock can be determined.
2. Pile preparation
For cast in place concrete piles or concrete filled pipe piles, perform the integrity testing no
sooner than 7 days after casting or
after concrete strength achieves at
least 75% of its design strength,
whichever occurs earlier. Ensure that
the pile head surface is accessible,
above water, and clean of loose
concrete, soil or other foreign materials
resulting from construction. Because
the pile head is contaminated, remove
a sufficient pile section to reach the
sound concrete (the pile head is
chiseled down to the cut-off level).
Prepare small areas by a hand grinder
to provide a smooth surface for motion sensor attachment and impact. Attach the motion
sensor firmly with appropriate material (lute or plasticine) at selected locations away from
the reinforcement. For piles with diameters larger than 500 mm,
attach the accelerometer at a minimum of three locations so
that an integrity evaluation near the pile head may be made for
each section localize section of pile. Position the apparatus for
applying the impact force so that the impact is applied axially
with the pile and at a distance no larger than 300 mm from the
accelerometer. Set up the apparatus for recording, reducing,
and displaying data so that it is operational and the force and
velocity signals are zeroed.
Testing

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 SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

3. Necessary equipment
3.1 Impact force application
The impact may be delivered by any device (for example, a hand held hammer with hard
plastic head for avoiding the signal deviations produced by micro-rebounds) that will
produce an input force pulse of generally less than 1 ms duration and should not cause any
local pile damage. The impact should be applied axially to the pile (normally on the pile
head).
3.2 Velocity measurement
The velocity measurements are obtained with one (or more) accelerometers, provided that
the acceleration signal(s) can be integrated in the apparatus for reducing data. The
accelerometer(s) should be
placed at (or near) the pile
head and shall have their
Impact device sensitive axis parallel with
Accelerometer
the pile axis. Accelerometers
shall be liniear at least 50g.
Either A/C or D/C
accelerometers can be used.
Apparatus for If A/C devices are used, the
recording, displaying time constant shall be
and reducing data greater than 0.5 s and the
resonant frequency shall be
at least 30,000 Hz. If D/C
devices are used, they shall
have the frequency response
up to 5000 Hz with less than
– 3 dB reduction of content. Alternatively, velocity or displacement transducers may be
used to obtain velocity data, provided they are equivalent in performance to the specified
accelerometers. Calibrate the transducer to an accuracy of 5% throughout the applicable
measurement range. If damage is suspected during use, recalibrate or replace the
accelerometer.
3.3 Placement of transducers
The motion sensor should be placed at or near the pile head using a suitable, or
temporary, bounding material (that is wax, vaseline, etc.) so that it is assured that it
correctly measures the axial pile motion (transducer axis of sensitivity aligned with the pile
axis). The motion sensor is placed generally near the center of the pile. Additional
locations shold be considered for piles with diameters greater than 500mm. The low strain
impact shold be applied to the pile head within a distance of 300mm from the motion
sensor. If the pile head is not accessible, as when already integral with the structure, the
sensor(s) may be attached to the side of the pile shaft.
3.4 Signal transmission
The signals from sensors shall be conveyed to the apparatus for recording, reducing and
displaying the data by a low noise shielded cable or equivalent.

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SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

The equipment that will be used is PET (Pile

Echo Tester) and is manufactured by
Piletester.com. This device complies with and
exceeds the requirements of SR ASTM D-5882,
as follows:

(Numbering is in accordance with ASTM paragraphs)

If the requirement is
No. crt. Descriptions Requirements
respected
5.1.1. Energy sourse Hammer with hard plastic Complies
head
5.2.1. Accelerometer linearity Up to 50 g Complies
5.2.1. Accelerometer time ≥0.5 sec Complies
constant
5.2.1. Resonant frequency ≥ 30 kHz Complies
5.2.1 Calibration 5% accuracy Exceeds
5.3. Signal transmission Low noise shielded cable Complies
5.4.1. Apparatus for Permanent graphic Complies (computer
Recording, Reducing display screen)
and Displaying Data
5.4.1. Apparatus for Permanent data storage Complies (hard disk
Recording, Reducing capability computer)
and Displaying Data
5.4.1. Apparatus for Averaging capability By provided software
Recording, Reducing
and Displaying Data
5.4.1. Apparatus for Variable amplification By provided software
Recording, Reducing
and Displaying Data
5.4.1. Apparatus for Filtering capability By provided software
Recording, Reducing
and Displaying Data
5.4.2. Recording apparatus rezolution12 bit A/D Exceeds
5.4.2. Sample frequency 30 kHz Exceeds (50kHz)
5.4.3. Sample frequency ≤0.01% Exceeds
accuracy
5.4.4. Range of duration of 2 to 30 ms Exceeds
display apparatus

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SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

4. Taking measurements
Apply several impacts and record each individual impact or the average, if required, or
both. If only the individual impacts are recorded, ensure that the apparatus for recording,
reducing and displaying data is capable of averaging up to 10 individual records. Record
the number of impacts for a specific averaged record. Take record and display a series of
velocity measurements.
For confirmation of data quality, the operator shall monitor the velocity from several impact
events for consistency. Ensure that the apparatus for recording, reducing and displaying
data is capable of determining the measurement device overload threshold. Do not use the
records of impacts that cause the measurement device to overload. If records are not
repeatable, do not use the data. If the cause of poor data is not a motion sensor
attachment problem but rather is found to be a transducer malfunction, repair or recalibrate
it before further use.
5. Analysis of measurements
With the Pulse Echo Method (PEM), measured pile head velocity is analyzed as a function
of time. Often, this method gives sufficient information for integrity evaluation.

Obtain velocity from the readout of the apparatus for reducing data or from the display
apparatus. In the time domain analysis (PEM), base the pile integrity evaluation on relative
increases and decreases of velocity after the initial impact pulse.
The displayed data should include the velocity records with time, an indication of the pile
length and assumed material wave speed and a representation of the shape and
magnitude of the amplification function when used. The motion during the impact event is
usually normalized and is associated with the pile head.
The amplification is used generally to scale the pile toe response to a similar magnitude.
Apparent reflections occurring prior to the toe response that are of the same sign as the

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SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

input are due to a relative decrease of impedance. Reflections of the opposite are due to a
relative increase of impedance.
Comparison of results from several piles from the site with similar construction is
recommended to assess the typical response with the same amplification factor being
applied to all piles of similar lengths. Visual interpretation may be qualitative and possibly
relative to other tested piles and a matter or proper engineering judgment.
6. Testing limitations
In general, major flaws inside the pile can be identified, such as transversal cracks,
material inclusions which contaminate the homogeneity of the concrete in dimensions
exceeding 30-40% of the pile section, increase/decrease in cross section at different
depths.

On the other hand, minor flaws cannot be identified, such as the ones that are detailed
below. Usually, these flaws do not affect significantly the pile’s behavior in time: diameters
which are slightly variable in relation to the length, shape of the pile, small inclusions which
do not exceed 15-20% of the pile section, covering of the reinforcing cage, loose soil
(during drilling) at the bottom of the pile.

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SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

7. Types of flaws and recognition models in the obtained graphs

Based on the real verifications on the excavated piles and on the controlled experiments, the
following cases can be determined:

a) Decrease in Cross Section

On the aside diagram a significant decrease
is detected at 2.7m, the rest of the signal is
an echo of the wave. Repeatability is noticed
at approximately equal intervals.

b) Increase in Cross Section

On the aside diagram are detected an
increase of the 4m of the pile’s cross
section and a decrease at 7.5m. The tested
pile had 12.5m length, which is noticed from
the response of the toe.

c) Cracks
In this case are detected a crack within
the first meter, an increase in cross
section between 3-5m and a substantial
decrease or crack at 7.5m.

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 SAIDEL CASIMCEA WIND PARK
Alpha North1 and CAS South2 & 3
ENGINEERING TULCEA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Nr. Proiect / Project No. Apr. / App. Cod / Code Corp / Block Tip / Type Nr. / No. Rev. / Rev. Data / Date

1063 / 2011 SAT SENG 01 OSP 01 00 10.06.2011

d) Loose soil at the pile toe

Due to the increased length of the return
signal from the base, it is considered that
the soil at the bottom is weak. This applies
to floating piles in soft soils or for local
loosening of the soil at the pile toe.

8. The testing report

Measurement results are represented in a diagram over time, in which are represented the
received shock at the application of the impact near the receiver and the duration to the
echo spread from the base of the pile. Functions can be used for averaging the results
and/or improve the signal, under the condition of minimizing these functions and publishing
the improvement factors in the report.
Besides the identification data of the development and of the tested pile, following
information is to be included, if available, for the detailing of the recording, for every tested
pile:
 The identity of the pile, nominal and actual diameter at the pile’s head and the
length;
 The concrete casting date and method;
 Resulted geometry, meaning the total concrete volume, nominal and actual
diameter per length;
 Temporary or permanent casing, steel reinforcement etc;
 Soil stratification
 Any specific observation regarding every tested pile, which affects the construction
of the pile, the excavation, the integrity etc;
 The localization of the gauges at the pile’s head and the corresponding
measurements;
 The testing date.

Dipl.-Ing. Tudor Saidel

Managing Director
SAIDEL ENGINEERING SRL

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