ASTM D5882-16 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Low Strain Impact Integrity Testing of Deep Foundations — test procedures for determining pile integrity by measuring and analyzing velocity (required) and force (optional) responses from low‑strain impacts applied to pile heads.

Abstract

This standard (D5882-16) defines low‑strain impact integrity testing for long, slender deep‑foundation elements (driven piles, augered or drilled shafts, concrete‑filled pipe piles, timber piles, etc.). It covers pulse‑echo and transient response methods, guidance on data collection (velocity required, force optional), and limitations (approximate evaluation of cross‑sectional area, continuity, and material consistency; not a bearing‑capacity test). The method is intended as a nondestructive screening tool to be used alongside site records and complementary tests.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (no replacement announced).
• Publication date: 2016 (edition D5882‑16).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Civil and geotechnical engineering — Earthworks / foundations; related to foundation and soil/rock testing (ICS: 93.020 and related construction/geotechnical categories). Also catalogued in ASTM Book of Standards, Vol. 04.09 (Soil and Rock).
• Edition / version: D5882‑16 (2016).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (concise method standard).

Scope

The test method covers procedures for determining the integrity of individual vertical or inclined piles by measuring and analyzing the pile head motion (velocity/acceleration) and, optionally, impact force induced by a hand‑held hammer or similar device applied to the pile head. It applies to piles and deep‑foundation elements that are receptive to low‑strain testing and provides minimum requirements and guidance for data acquisition, signal processing (time‑ and frequency‑domain approaches), and interpretation for integrity/continuity assessment. The standard emphasizes that results are approximate and should be considered with site records and complementary testing.

Key topics and requirements

• Low‑strain impact testing principles: velocity (required) and force (optional) measurements; instrumentation and signal capture.
• Pulse Echo Method (PEM) and Transient Response Method (TRM) — time‑domain and frequency‑domain analysis approaches.
• Applicable element types: driven concrete piles, cast‑in‑place piles, concrete‑filled pipe piles, timber piles, drilled shafts/augered piles receptive to low‑strain impacts. Limited application to unfilled steel pipe piles, H‑piles, or sheet piles.
• Limitations: does not determine bearing capacity; interpretations are approximate and improved when combined with soil/constructon records and other NDT methods.
• Units and reporting: SI units preferred; guidance on significant digits and rounding referenced to Practice D6026. Qualified personnel recommended (see Practice D3740).

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and structural engineers, foundation contractors, nondestructive testing (NDT) technicians, and testing laboratories to screen piles for gross defects (necking, breaks, major voids, or changes in cross‑section) and to verify pile length/continuity during construction QA/QC. Equipment vendors and training providers also reference the method when specifying instrumentation and procedures.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside other pile and foundation integrity standards such as Crosshole Sonic Logging (ASTM D6760), Thermal Integrity Profiling (ASTM D7949), Practice D3740 (qualification of testing agencies), and Practice/Guide documents on data handling (e.g., D6026 for significant‑digit guidance). Earlier and related revisions of D5882 (prior editions) provide historical context for procedural changes.

Keywords

low‑strain, impact testing, pile integrity, deep foundations, pulse‑echo, transient response, nondestructive testing (NDT), pile head velocity, instrumented hammer, drilled shaft, driven pile, augered pile.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5882‑16 is a test method that specifies low‑strain impact procedures for evaluating the integrity and continuity of deep‑foundation elements by measuring pile head motion (velocity/acceleration) and, optionally, impact force.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrumentation, test execution (pulse‑echo and transient response approaches), data capture, basic analysis concepts, reporting conventions (SI units preferred), and limitations of low‑strain testing for piles. It explicitly states that the method does not assess pile bearing capacity and that results are approximate.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and structural engineers, foundation contractors, NDT service providers, site testing laboratories, and equipment manufacturers use the method for pile screening and construction QA/QC.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D5882‑16 edition is listed as Withdrawn (ASTM record updated January 7, 2025) with no replacement indicated on the ASTM product page. Users should consult ASTM or appropriate project specifications for the currently required procedures or alternative methods.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of a family of ASTM methods addressing pile/foundation integrity and testing (see related standards such as D6760 and D7949). It was developed under Committee D18 (Subcommittee D18.11). Earlier versions of D5882 exist and were superseded by the 2016 revision before eventual withdrawal.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Low‑strain impact, pile integrity, nondestructive testing, pulse‑echo, transient response, pile velocity, instrumented hammer, deep foundations.