Applied Foundation Testing

Complete Solutions for Deep Foundation Testing

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About the firm

Applied Foundation Testing is a specialized geotechnical engineering practice founded in 1997, focusing on deep foundation testing and inspection. It holds the exclusive North American and Caribbean license for STATNAMIC rapid load testing and has pioneered post-grouted drilled shaft technology. It offers specialty testing services, including its proprietary AFT-Cell bi-directional load test and AFT-SID shaft inspection device, with operations spanning North America and the western hemisphere.

Established
1997
Firm type
Geotechnical Engineering · Materials Testing

People

Don Robertson, P.E.Co-Founder

Mike Muchard, P.E.Co-Founder

Stephen Crawford, Ph.D., P.E.Production Lead

Jason FrederickOperations Manager

Capabilities

Dynamic and Rapid Load Testing

Service website

Combines the simplicity of static analysis with the efficiency of dynamic testing to evaluate deep foundations rapidly and cost-effectively, reducing setup time while maintaining high analytical reliability.

  • STATNAMIC Load Testing (ASTM D7383)

    Executes rapid load tests as an alternative to traditional static testing, utilizing proprietary software to deliver reliable capacity evaluations.

  • Dynamic Pile Testing / PDA (ASTM D4945)

    Analyzes driving stresses, hammer energy, and pile capacity in real time using Pile Driving Analyzer technology.

  • High Strain Dynamic Load Testing (Drop Hammer)

    Applies heavy drop-weight impacts to foundations to verify ultimate bearing capacities in compliance with regional standards.

Bi-Directional and Static Load Testing

Service website

Measures deep foundation capacity without large reaction frames by utilizing embedded hydraulic jacks to test different shaft sections against one another, saving space and setup effort.

  • AFT-Cell Bi-Directional Load Test

    Employs custom manufactured embedded hydraulic jacks to conduct high-capacity load tests in confined spaces without reaction beams.

  • Static Load Testing (ASTM D1143)

    Conducts traditional physical loading of piles to establish definitive load-settlement performance curves under controlled conditions.

  • Soil Anchor Design and Testing

    Evaluates tension anchors and tiebacks to secure earth retention systems and deep excavation supports.

Nondestructive Evaluation and Integrity Testing

Service website

Evaluates the internal consistency and structural integrity of deep foundations using non-invasive techniques to identify potential anomalies or verify construction quality.

  • Low Strain Integrity Testing

    Uses sonic echo methods to quickly assess shaft continuity and detect major defects in cast-in-place concrete foundations.

  • Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL)

    Measures ultrasonic wave propagation between access tubes to map the internal concrete quality of drilled shafts.

  • Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP)

    Monitors concrete hydration temperatures via thermal sensors to evaluate the entire cross-section and cage alignment of shafts.

  • Ultra Seismic and Parallel Seismic Testing

    Assesses depth and structural integrity of unknown or existing foundations where the top is inaccessible.

  • Unknown Foundation Studies

    Employs forensic geophysical and seismic methods to map sub-surface foundation dimensions for existing structures.

Shaft Inspection

Service website

Assesses bottom cleanliness and geometry in drilled shafts to verify excavation quality and ensure optimal contact with bearing strata.

  • AFT-SID Miniature Shaft Inspection Device

    Deploys a specialized stainless-steel inspection bell with camera imaging to verify clean shaft bottom conditions before concrete placement.

  • Caliper Logging of Drilled Shafts

    Profiles the physical diameter and geometry of open shafts to calculate concrete volume requirements and identify necking.

  • Drilled Shaft Inspection

    Performs visual and technical verification of excavation, reinforcing steel placement, and concrete tremie operations.

Post Grouting

Service website

Improves end bearing performance of drilled shaft foundations using pressurized grout systems accompanied by digitized quality control documentation.

  • Post Grouting of Drilled Shafts

    Pioneers the application of base pressure grouting to enhance deep foundation load capacities after shaft construction.

  • GroutDAQ Quality Control System

    Uses a proprietary electronic documentation system to monitor and record grout pressure and volume in real time.

Construction Inspection

Service website

Verifies compliance of foundation installations with design requirements, providing real-time quality control for dynamic, static, and augercast piling methods.

  • Pile Driving Inspection

    Tracks blow counts, hammer stroke, and pile penetration to ensure deep foundation elements meet specified depth and resistance targets.

  • Ground Improvement Inspection

    Monitors installation quality of soil-strengthening techniques to confirm the design criteria are met.

  • Augercast Pile Inspection

    Ensures continuous concrete or grout placement during flight auger withdrawal to prevent soil intrusion.

Instrumentation and Monitoring

Service website

Deploys precision sensors and monitoring systems to track vibration, strain, noise, and load behaviors during deep foundation construction and testing.

  • Instrumentation

    Installs strain gauges, sister bars, and displacement sensors to record foundation behavior during construction and service.

  • Calibration

    Maintains the accuracy of testing equipment, load cells, and electronic data acquisition modules through laboratory verification.

  • Vibration and Noise Monitoring

    Measures environmental impacts on adjacent structures using seismographs during impact driving or excavation.

  • Instrumentation Laboratory

    Fabricates, calibrates, and tests specialized sensors and electronic measurement components for foundation monitoring.

Engineering Analysis and Consulting

Service website

Provides advanced analytical reviews, remediation strategies, forensic assessments, and expert consultations for complex deep foundation challenges.

  • Acceptance, Engineering Analysis and Remediation Services

    Evaluates non-conformance reports and engineers customized remediation solutions for deficient foundation elements.

  • Expert Consulting

    Provides specialized engineering reviews and technical expert testimony on deep foundation construction disputes and failures.

  • Forensic Engineering and Unknown Foundation Studies

    Investigates structural distress or settlement issues related to deep foundation performance.

Industries

Bridges · Highways & Roads · Transportation · Marine · Ports & Harbors · Infrastructure · Defense · Federal · Wastewater · Water Supply · Commercial · Multifamily Residential · Industrial · Power Generation

Projects

I-4 Ultimate

Orlando, FL · Bridges

Project details

Geotechnical testing and engineering support during construction.

Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement

Long Beach, CA · Bridges

Project details

Specialized deep foundation testing services for a landmark signature bridge.

Tappan Zee Bridge Replacement

New York · Bridges

Project details

Comprehensive foundation evaluation services on a major infrastructure crossing.

California High Speed Rail

California · Rail

Project details

Geotechnical foundation validation services across regional high-speed transit sections.