Geotech Efathama delivers professional foundation testing and geotechnical instrumentation services, supporting a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects. By utilizing advanced monitoring technology and handled by a team of certified engineers, we provide accurate and reliable data to support safe and efficient decision-making on site. Our services are trusted by clients across public and private sectors seeking dependable solutions for subsurface evaluation and structural performance monitoring.
The foundation is a critical component of any structural building. To ensure the safety and performance of a structure, the foundation shall have sufficient load-bearing capacity and structural integrity. Parameters such as pile size, length, and material quality shall meet the required specifications.
To verify these aspects, integrity testing is essential. These tests help detect potential defects, inconsistencies, or anomalies within the foundation elements. We offer a range of integrity testing services, including:
Pile Integrity Test (PIT)
Cross Sonic Logging (CSL)
Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP)
Ultrasonic Drilling Monitor (UDM)
Shaft Quantitative Inspection Device (SQUID)
Borehole Camera 360°
PIT is the most popular integrity testing based on one dimensional wave propagation theory. PIT is a simple, fast, and reliable test to check concrete pile integrity.
PIT was conducted by simply put an accelerometer on flat, smooth and sound concrete surface follow by giving a small impact using a handheld hammer.
Test procedure is based on ASTM D5882
Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL) is another integrity testing method that evaluate the integrity of drilled shafts, auger cast in place (ACIP) piles and other concrete foundations by lowering transmitter sensor inside pre-installed tube that emitting the ultrasonic signal and the receiver sensor received the signal on the other tube.
The defect of the pile can be evaluated by analyzing the first arrival time (FAT) of the signal received. Longer FAT means there is indication of pile defect.
The CSL test procedure is based on ASTM D6760
Thermal integrity profiler or TIP use the heat generated by hydration of concrete during the curing-time to assess the integrity and quality of drilled shafts, auger cast-in-place (ACIP) and other cast-in-situ foundations. The test result shows variation of pile cross-section. Moreover, steel cage eccentricities can be evaluated.
The test can be performed using two methods, cable wired sensor (thermal wire) and access tube (thermal probe).
The benefit of using TIP is the result can be evaluated within 12 – 72 hours after casting the pile and it is considered the most accurate integrity testing for cast-in-place piles.
The test procedure is based on ASTM D7949
Shaft inspection tool for quantitative, real-time assessment of the cleanliness and competency of bored pile foundations. It measures both the thickness of soft material at shaft base or debris and its soil strength in numerical and graphical form.
The quantitative assessment is made through measurements using accurate displacement and penetrometer sensors.
Ultrasonic Drilling Monitor or UDM is a non-destructive monitoring device used to evaluate shaft drilling quality in real-time.
By using ultrasonic pulse technology, it helps detect anomalies such as soil collapsing and inclinations within the drilled shaft.
The test procedure is based on ASTM D8232
A borehole camera is a device used to view clear real-time video of shafts, boreholes, wells, and hollow piles. Any structural integrity issues/anomalies to deep foundation, such as cracks, misalignment, or debris could easily be identified.
The construction of foundations for high-rise buildings and infrastructure—such as power plants, bridges, flyovers, jetties, airports, harbors, and other critical structures—requires strict quality control to ensure safety and durability. A reliable assessment of the actual pile capacity is essential to verify that the foundation can support the intended loads.
To achieve this, a comprehensive and accurate testing system is required. We offer a range of foundation and load testing services to determine the true bearing capacity and performance of foundation elements under various load conditions. We offer a range of foundation and load test, including:
Pile Driving Analyzer
Static Horizontal Load Test
Static Axial Tensile Load Test
Static Axial Compression Load Test
Bi-Directional Load Test
Plate Bearing Test
One of the most popular dynamic load tests is the Pile Driving Analyzer (PDA) test which is a nice and simple non-destructive test. PDA test conducted by measuring force and velocity at pile head during driving and analyzed using Case Method. We can estimate pile stresses, integrity, capacity and hammer performance
PDA test can be done on various deep foundation materials (Concrete, steel, or composite)
The standard test procedure is based on ASTM D4945
Our new flagship service is rental hammer to support the test up to 80 ton (for 8000-ton pile capacity). The advantages of our hammer are its flexibility in weight and less heavy equipment use, which leads to time and cost efficient.
The PDA-Cell is an extended technology to minimizes concrete build up and eliminate excavation during PDA test on bored pile, especially for large diameter bored pile (without the need for 2-Diameter excavation). In addition, PDA-Cell improves the data accuracy and minimizes the risk of pile head broken during test.
Static axial compression load test is the oldest and believed to be the most accurate way to check pile capacity under compression load. The principal of the test is by measuring pile displacement under compression load. Recently, this method is developing to support with more data using instrumentation tools (load cell, strain gauge, extensometer) where accuracy and detailed data can easily achieved.
We provide the test in 2 methods, kentledge system (up to 2500 ton) and reaction pile system (up to 6000 ton).
Standard test method is based on ASTM D1143.
Bi-Directional Static Load Test (BDSLT) is another compressive load test method. Compared to the conventional method, the BDSLT is a preferable choice when load test needs to be conducted in remote area with limited heavy equipment, a considerable mobilization cost, and a simpler preparation.
BDSLT done by pre-installed one (or more) sacrificial jack on foundation rebar cage and later cast together. The load will be provided by a combination of friction and end bearing from the upper and lower part of the jack.
Standard test method is based on ASTM D8169
While the compression gives downward load, the static axial tensile load test conducted by giving load in upward direction. The test more known as tension load test. The test could be performed with additional instrumentation like strain gauge and extensometer.
Standard test method is based on ASTM D3689.
Horizontal load test performs by two common methods: pile to pile and kentledge. The test shall conduct at the given Cut-Off-Level (COL). Additionally, instrumentation tools (inclinometer and strain gauges) can also be applied.
The test performs based on ASTM D3966.
The Plate Bearing Test is a field test used to determine the bearing capacity and deformation characteristics (modulus of subgrade reaction) of soil or compacted fill.
A steel plate is loaded incrementally, and settlement is measured to evaluate ground support for shallow foundations, road subgrades, and pavement layers.
The test performs based on ASTM D1195 & ASTM D1196.
While our core expertise lies in geotechnical engineering, we also offer environmental monitoring solutions to support the diverse demands of various projects. To ensure structural integrity and long-term performance, we provide a range of monitoring and testing services, including:
Tiltmeter
Vibration Monitoring Test (VMT)
Crackmeter
Construction in dense urban area often face challenges related to surrounding building such as settlement and tilt. The purpose of tilt monitoring itself is to verify if any tilt occurs at perimeter structure. The procedure of this test is by installing specific tilt plate on specified area and measure it using portable tilt-meter that will measure tilting degree of the tilt plate.
Piling works near sensitive buildings, machine, or residential area could produce disturbing vibration and noise. To ensure those vibration and noise not exceeding the limit given by standard, our vibration and noise equipment, can measure it real time. Moreover, it is also able to identify other vibration source.
Unmanageable construction work might cause crack to perimeter structure. The purpose of using crackmeter is to measure the width of crack at several period of time or one can use vibrating wire type to get real-time data. The crack meter can measure up to 0.5 mm accuracy.
Geotechnical instrumentation refers to the instruments used to monitor geotechnical projects or sites requiring such monitoring. Geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring are essential for the successful completion of a geotechnical projects. Limited geotechnical instrumentation may be needed for simple projects but the demands on geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring can be very demanding for critical projects such as tunnels, slopes, and excavations next to sensitive structures.
The principal parameters of interest in geotechnical monitoring are: (1) structural or soil deformations, (2) stresses acting on structural elements (wall and bracing), and (3) ground water level and pore water pressure. Those three elements can be measured with our accurate monitoring systems as follows.
We offer a range of geotechnical instrumentation, including:
Open Standopipe Piezometer
Inclinometer
Magnetic Extensometer
Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge
Vibrating Wire Piezometer
Vibrating Wire Earth Pressure Cell
Precision Dynamic Meassurement (PDM)
Length Inductive Test Equipment (LITE)
Borehole Camera
Settlement Plate
Survey Equipment using RTK GNSS
Survey Equipment using
Open standpipe piezometer or water level meter is one of geotechnical instrumentation to measure ground water level, usually it is used for embankment, excavation, dewatering works and often combined with piezometer to calculate the excess pore water pressure (if necessary). This test could be performed by simply installing 2-inch perforated pipe in a designated borehole and later be measured using water level meter.
Standard test method is based on ASTM D5092.
The Casagrande piezometer is a reliable and proven solution for measuring groundwater pressure in soil. Ideal for long-term monitoring, it provides accurate pore water pressure data essential for evaluating slope stability, embankment performance, and foundation safety. Simple in design yet effective in performance, the Casagrande piezometer is widely trusted in projects for its durability, ease of installation, and consistent results.
Piezometer is the most advanced geotechnical instrumentation used to measure pore water pressure at specific elevation below ground water level. Piezometer is used to measure the fluctuation of pore water pressure during the embankment work, reclamation, excavation and pile driving. For more comprehensive analysis, the result can be used to estimate degree of consolidation, soil behavior, also used as early warning monitoring system.
The test procedure is based on ASTM D7764
Settlement plate is one of geotechnical instrumentation to measure the settlement on specific point below ground surface. It only uses plate and rod (riser pipe) to observe the change of elevation using water level meter or any other survey equipment.
Test procedure is based on ASTM D6598
In soil improvement work, control on settlement is the key for successful method and work. While settlement plate measures the total settlement below ground surface, extensometer provide compressible settlement or soil expansion for each specific soil layer.
A settlement profiler is the latest technology used to measure not only ground settlement at a single point, but also to provide a continuous cross-sectional profile of up to 100 meters in length. Throughout the advantages, this instrument also provides the deformation of any structure above.
A vibrating wire earth pressure cell is used to measure soil pressure on retaining walls, foundations, embankments, and other structures. It provides accurate, long-term monitoring of both total and effective stress in the ground.
This instrument helps track changes in soil stress over time, supporting safer design and construction in projects.
Inclinometer is one of geotechnical instrumentation to measure the lateral displacement caused by embankment or excavation works, natural or man-made slope and horizontal pile load test.
Inclinometer pipe also can be installed on soil or inside cast-in-situ structure, such as soldier pile, secant pile, diaphragm wall, etc.
The test procedure is based on ASTM D6230
A vibrating wire earth pressure cell is used to measure soil pressure on retaining walls, foundations, embankments, and other structures. It provides accurate, long-term monitoring of both total and effective stress in the ground.
This instrument helps track changes in soil stress over time, supporting safer design and construction in projects.
An auto level is a leveling instrument commonly used to measure elevation differences with high accuracy in geotechnical and construction projects.
It works by maintaining a consistent horizontal line of sight, making it ideal for tasks like monitoring ground settlement, setting reference elevations, or checking surface gradients.
A total station is a precision instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angles, commonly applied in geotechnical and construction projects. It’s useful for setting out points, checking slope angles, or aligning structures with high accuracy.
By providing precise angular measurements, total station helps ensure proper layout, alignment, and control on-site, especially in areas where GPS signals may be limited or less reliable.
Survey with GNSS technology provides very accurate position data, up to centimeter-level accuracy. It's ideal for use in geotechnical and construction projects, such as monitoring settlement points, or laying out borehole locations.
GNSS surveying uses signals from multiple satellite systems and supports real-time correction (RTK) for high-precision results. With simple connectivity and mobile data support, it improves measurement accuracy, reduces manual errors, and speeds up fieldwork.
Pile driving is the most common piling method and is relatively cheaper compared to bored piles. However, driven piles have unpredictable aspects due to the nature of the driving system, which can result in varying pile penetration and final set, ultimately affecting pile capacity. With the development of WEAP analysis, these uncertainties can now be predicted more accurately. For this analysis, we use GRLWEAP, a proven and highly accurate analysis program.
GRLWEAP analysis helps select the most efficient driving system and pile installation procedures, estimate blow count, capacity, pile stresses and final penetration based on pile-hammer-soil system; thus, it can optimize driving time and cost.
Load Cell, as a mandatory instrument in every standard shall be uses to confirm the actual load during test; thus, we share and provide load cell for rent with capacity from 25 to 1000 ton each to be rented. The total capacity we could provide is up to 40.000 Ton
SPT or Standard Penetration Test, is one of geotechnical in-situ testing to get soil characteristic. Since the hammer weight, drop height, falling system of the SPT hammer is widely varied, SPT result shall be corrected based on its energy.
The LITE evaluates the length of existing steel piles (Steel Sheet Piles, H-piles, Pipe piles, Cased Drilled Shafts) using the inductive field method.
The Precision Dynamic Measurement device (PDM) is a high-speed infra-red camera, which capable of making very precise measurements of dynamic movement, used to measure ‘final set’ during pile driving.