PS wave based parallel seismic test for pile length assessment

This paper presents an improved method for conducting parallel seismic tests to detect the unknown length and integrity of piles. The method involves the use of PS waves rather than the PP waves normally applied in conventional parallel seismic tests. Analytical solutions are derived for the t-d relationships of the first arrivals of the PS waves in homogeneous and layered soil conditions. Finite element models are also developed to simulate the waves generated by a vertical impact on the top of a pile under these two ground conditions for the purpose of validating the analytical solutions. The study indicates that the proposed method is viable and has several advantages over conventional parallel seismic tests.