SHAPE Test

SHAPE (Shaft Area Profile Evaluator)

 

SHAPE is an advanced quality assurance system used to evaluate the geometry of drilled shaft excavations before concrete placement. The system provides accurate measurements of shaft radius, verticality, shape, and excavation volume, helping ensure that the completed foundation meets the project design requirements.

Using advanced ultrasonic technology for slurry-filled excavations or LiDAR technology for dry excavations, SHAPE generates detailed 2D and 3D profiles of the excavation, allowing engineers to identify irregularities before concreting begins.

 

Why SHAPE Testing:

 

The actual geometry of a bored hole cannot be easily verified once concreting has been completed. Variations during excavation can result from ground conditions, drilled methods, or obstructions.

SHAPE provides a quantitative profile of the excavation before concreting, helping engineers and contractors verify whether the shaft is within the required geometry. SHAPE can help identify:

  • Changes in shaft diameter
  • Overbreak and underbreak
  • Shaft eccentricity
  • Deviation from verticality
  • Localised irregularities
  • Variations in excavation volume

 

What does SHAPE Measure:

 

  • Shaft Radius & Diameter – Measures the actual shaft dimensions continuously with depth
  • Shaft Volume – Calculates the estimated excavation volume based on the measured profile
  • Verticality – Determines the inclination of the shaft and maximum deviation from vertical
  • Eccentricity – Measures the offset of the actual shaft centre from the intended centreline in the X and Y directions
  • Shaft Profile – Provides graphical and 3D visualisation of the excavation geometry, allowing irregularities to be easily identified

 

How it Works:

 

SHAPE uses multiple ultrasonic sensors to measure the distance from the testing unit to the shaft wall. The system automatically determines the ultrasonic wave speed through the drilling fluid during testing, allowing the shaft dimensions to be calculated at different depths. The measured data are processed to generate a 2D and 3D profile of the bored excavation.

 

Our SHAPE Testing Service:

 

Our service includes:

  • Equipment Setup – Deployment of the SHAPE system using the Kelly bar or suitable winch arrangement
  • Shaft Scanning – Continuous scanning of the excavation
  • Data Analysis – Evaluation of shaft dimensions, volume, verticality, eccentricity, and profile
  • Reporting – Preparation of graphical and numerical results for project QA/QC documentation

 

Test Report:

 

The SHAPE report typically includes:

  • Shaft profile graphs
  • Shaft radius and diameter variation
  • Estimated excavation volume
  • Maximum verticality (%)
  • Maximum X and Y eccentricity
  • Direction/bearing of shaft offset
  • Detailed shaft segment summaries
  • 2D and 3D visualisation

 

Technical References:

 

  • ASTM D8232 – Standard Test Procedures for Measuring the Inclination of Deep Foundations
  • PDI SHAPE Use Manual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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