Facts To Learn 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.

The driving system is composed of several components that serve different functions. These components are leads, power hammer, helmet connects, and the cushioning. The function of the leads is to hold the hammer and piling in place to ensure that the two components are aligned with each other. It would be catastrophic if the hammer missed the tip of the piling when it is coming down. In fact, the force of the hammer would damage the piling badly.

Heavy rams used for driving the piling into the soil are lifted and dropped using a power hammer. The hammer is powered by air pressure or diesel. The helmet connects the top of the piles with the hammer. This ensures that during downward motion the hammer does not miss the pile.

Finally, the process involves the use of huge amounts of forces which can destroy the piles or hammers. To avoid this from happening, cushioning is placed between the two. The cushioning prevents excessive stress from being conducted on by absorbing some of the force generated. This makes sure that the entire system lasts longer.

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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