Facts About Marine Pile Drivers

By Peter Adams


In construction, the term pile refers to a prefabricated element that is installed by hammering it into the ground. Piles are usually made from various materials including timber, steel, and concrete. The hammering is done using a pile driving hammer, which is also referred to as a pile driver. Driving hammers are used to drive piles into the soil so that they can offer foundation support for structures such as buildings. This is what one should know about marine pile drivers.

Another term used to refer to the construction crew handling the hammering tools is pile driver. Suitability of piling is to support lateral and compressive loads. Generally, piles offer less load support compared to drilled shafts. As such, for piles to support heavy loads, they must be grouped under footings. East Texas is among areas in the United States where the process of pile driving is done most.

Piling activity is most suited for softer soils that are easier to penetrate without causing damage to piles. That means that hard soils and rocks are not suitable for piling activities. Load capacity gained by piling comes from skin friction. Also, end bearing of the piling can be significantly increased if its tip is placed inside a rock layer or packed soil. That means that such piles support more weight better.

There are a number of components that make up the driving system. The components include the cushioning, leads, helmet connects and the power hammer. The leads hold the piling and hammer in place ensuring that the two are aligned. It can be tragic for the hammer to miss the tip of the piling as it comes down since this can badly damage the piling. This is due to its force.

The work of the power hammer is to lift and drop heavy rams which in turn drive the piling deeper into the soil. The source of power of the power hammer is air pressure or diesel. The helmet connects the top of piles to the hammer. Thus, helmet ensures the descent of the hammer makes contact with the pile.

Lastly, in order to prevent the hammer and pile from being damaged by the huge forces involved in the operation, cushioning is usually placed between the two. Cushions absorb some energy and prevent excessive stress from being passed on. Thus, they ensure durability of the entire system.

When working, it is very important to pay attention to the condition of the cushion. Sometimes, the cushion may get damaged and in turn cause damage to both piles and hammers. To be safe, not more than three piles should be driven using the same cushion block. If necessary, the cushion should be changed as frequently as possible. Regular inspection should be done before, during, and after a driving operation.

It is highly essential that the size of hammers and piles are a perfect match. In a case where the piling is larger than the hammer, achievement of the necessary penetration is impossible. Nonetheless, it is essential for one to know the effects of inappropriate use of hammers. For instance, high comprehensive and tensile forces occur where the hammers used are extremely large.




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