CMR Tech has been performing TIP tests on Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles for Ryobi Compile Holdings on the Northlink 2 Tonkin Hwy Upgrade.

On site testing was carried out using the Thermal Integrity Profiler (TIP) and the thermal wire system developed by PDI.

The Thermal Integrity Profiler utilises the temperature profile within a foundation element constructed using cast in place concrete such as drilled, bored or augured piles. The temperature profile induced by the cement heat of hydration can be used to determine the homogeneity and integrity of the concrete in the deep foundation element.

The expected temperature at any location is dependent on the concrete mix, size and shape of the element and the rate of heat dissipation. When reviewing the temperature measurements, a flaw in the form of a void, neck, inclusion or poor concrete will generate less heat than the normal concrete around it. Conversely, a bulge will have more concrete, resulting in a higher temperature.