Bottom cleanliness of drilled shaft foundations has been proven, through load testing, to directly influence end bearing performance. Further research shows that displaced bottom sediment also reduces side shear in the bottom 1 to 2 shaft diameters. Good bottom cleaning methods such as airlifting and submersible pumps will significantly increase end bearing reliability. AFT-SID™ provides the ability to verify the effectiveness of these cleaning methods which ultimately provides increased end bearing confidence.
The essential operation of a shaft inspection device involves lowering a stainless-steel inspection bell into the bottom of a drilled shaft excavation. The bell is filled with compressed air, and a camera is mounted on the top of the bell for a clear view of the circular inspection zone. Gauge posts inside the bell identify sediment depths in the viewing area when the inspection bell can rest on the bottom of the excavation.
AFT-SID™ makes this process quick and reliable for the operator. 250 feet of armored air, water, and video feed lines rapidly spool off a hydraulic powered reel. Our proprietary video acquisition software runs in a familiar Windows® environment and is supportive and straightforward to use. A built-in washdown system cleans the equipment and returns to the trailer in a flash.
The AFT-SID™ provides a perfect inspection service while the operational procedures are carried out by our highly skilled technicians. The product is available for rental purposes or purchase as a brand-new asset to your job site.