Evaluation of Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP) Methods–Probe, Embedded Wire and Wire Suspended in CSL Tubes

Thermal integrity profiling (TIP) is a relatively new non-destructive test (NDT) method which can be used to assess the integrity of cast-in-place deep foundations by using the heat of hydration to assess the quality. The heat generated during curing is directly related to the cement content and shaft geometry and is therefore a useful indicator of anomalies. The temperature can be measured at a discreet time with an infrared probe lowered slowly into the shaft through a conduit, or continuously by data loggers attached to thermal wires embedded within the concrete or placed within water filled tubes. Two case studies are presented demonstrating the methods of TIP and their observed effectiveness for determining anomalies in drilled shafts. Based on the case studies, in the authors’ experience, thermal wires embedded within the concrete collects data with the most accurate representation of the integrity of the drilled shaft, and is the preferred method of the three for most applications.