What To Know 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.

Suitability of piling activity lies in the soil being able to allow easy penetration of piles without causing damage to them. As a result, areas that have hard soils and rocks are unsuitable for piling processes. In addition, the end bearing of a pile could be increased significantly by placing its tip inside packed soil or a layer of rocks. That implies that piles like that are best suited to support heavier weight.

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 power hammer is used to lift and drop heavy rams that drive the piling into the soil. The power hammer is powered by diesel or air pressure. The hammer is connected to the top of the piles by the helmet. Thus, the hammer also ensures that the hammer does not miss the pile during the downward motion.

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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