Abstract
A new method is proposed to estimate the shape of a pile by vibration analysis. This is the first method proposed for a pile-shape estimation, which can be used to diagnose the integrity of a pile with an enlarged, subterranean base. It is demonstrated, and verified by experimentation, that pile-shape can be estimated by using an acoustic tube model. Pile shape estimation by this method was found to be quite accurate for an experimental pile laid horizontally on ties, at ground level. This method could be used for estimating the shape of an underground pile, when the soil effect is removed from the measured vibration signal.
