Pile integrity testing and supervision
Pile integrity testing that catches problems before they surface
Protect the foundation and the program
Deep foundations carry major structural loads. Installation defects, unexpected ground response, or an undetected crack can affect performance, and create costly uncertainty after the piling rig has moved on.
Geotesta provides piling supervision during installation, and pile integrity testing after placement. With resources available for night, weekend, and shift work, supervision can continue while the rig remains productive, and the construction program can keep moving.
CSL is a proven way to check the quality and consistency of bored piles, diaphragm walls, and barrette piles.
Here’s how it works:
-Probes are lowered into tubes cast into the pile
-Ultrasonic signals are sent between the probes
-By measuring speed and signal strength, we can see if the concrete is uniform – or if there are “weaker” zones that may need attention
-This means you don’t just assume your piles are sound – you actually know.
CSL won’t highlight every fine crack, but it will reliably show variations in quality along the pile, giving confidence in the construction.
With the new CSL equipment and an experienced team, Geotesta is now offering pile integrity testing (PIT) across Australia.
Pile Testing and Supervision Scope
Piling supervision
A piling specialist observes the installation process, helping confirm that deep foundations are placed in accordance with the agreed project requirements.
Driven pile oversight
Where precast piles are driven into the ground, supervision provides on-site observation as each pile advances towards the supporting strata.
Bored pile oversight
Where piles are placed into prepared bores, supervision supports installation control before the deep foundation is completed.
Integrity testing
A controlled strike sends a signal through the pile. The returning response helps indicate whether the pile is continuous or may contain cracking or defects. The integrity testing methods that Geotesta can perform include Low Strain PIT or Pulse Echo, Cross-Hole Sonic Logging (CSL), and Thermal Integrity Profiler (TIP).
Installation records
Site observations can document the piling activity and provide a clearer record of what occurred during installation, subject to the agreed supervision scope.
Shift coverage
Geotesta can allocate personnel across daytime, night, weekend and shift work where continuous piling operations make downtime commercially costly.
Specialist support that keeps rigs working
Frequently asked questions
Piling supervision involves a specialist observing pile installation at site level, recording appropriate activity, and assisting confirmation of whether the work has been delivered in line with the agreed project specification.
Piles transfer structural load through soft or unsuitable near-surface soil to deeper soil or rock which is able to provide stronger support.
Pile integrity testing uses controlled impact and return signal to assess whether an installed pile appears continuous, or may have cracking or other damage.
Testing usually takes place post-installation. Timeframe will vary by pile type and construction program, as per the project engineer’s specification.
Deep foundations may be used for large buildings, bridges, cofferdams, and other high-load structures where near-surface soil is not suitable to provide sufficient support.
Geotesta can supervise precast piles installed in bored holes or driven directly into the ground. The final scope will depend on the pile system and project requirements.