vendredi 9 novembre 2018

What To Know About Marine Pile Drivers

By Peter Adams


The prefabricated element that is installed underground during construction by means of hammering is termed as a pile. Among the different materials used to make piles include concrete, steel, and timber. Hammering is done using a pile driving hammer, which is also called a pile driver. For structures requiring foundation support like buildings, the driving of piles into the soil is done using driving hammers. This is how marine pile drivers work.

The construction crew that works with the hammering equipment is also referred to as pile drivers. Piling is suitable for supporting modest compressive and lateral loads. In general, piles are not capable of supporting as much load as drilled shafts. For that reason, piles are normally grouped under footings if they are to support heavy loads. In the United States, East Texas is one of the areas where this activity is conducted most.

This activity is carried out suitably in soft soil which can easily be penetrated without causing any damage to the piles. This means that rocks and hard soils are not suitable for piling. Skin friction usually determines the loading capacity piling gains. Placing the tip of the piles inside packed soil or a rock layer can help to increase the end bearing of the piles significantly. This makes it possible for the piles to support more weight.

The composition of the driving system includes different components performing distinct functions. Namely these are the cushioning, helmet connects, power hammer, and the leads. The leads are intended to maintain the piling and hammer in position so that they are in alignment with each other. In case the descending hammer misses the tip of the piling, the result can be catastrophic. Actually, there would be severe damage caused to the piling by the hammering 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.

The whole operation involves huge forces which may cause damage to the hammer and the pile. A cushioning is therefore placed in between the two to prevent damage. The function of the cushion is to prevent excess stress and absorb some energy. This ensures the system can last for a long time.

During work, the cushion should be given the most attention. In some occasions, damage may occur to the cushion, which may in turn damage the hammer and pile. For safety reasons, one cushion block should not be used to drive over three piles. Where need arises, the frequency of changing the cushion should be increased. After, during, and before driving operations, one ought to inspect the cushion first.

It is very important to match the size of the piling with the size of the hammer. If the hammer is too small for the piling, then the necessary penetration will not be achieved. However, it is important to know that very large hammers can cause high tensile forces and high comprehensive forces too if used inappropriately.




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