A pile-driving hammer is the heavy falling weight (or hammer) used to drive a pile into the ground. The hammer is hoisted up in the piling rig and then falls or strikes onto the pile head, which is protected by the pile-driving cap. In this way the pile is driven step by step down to the firm, load-bearing soil layer.
Types of pile hammers
- Drop hammer (free fall) — a weight that is hoisted up and falls freely
- Diesel hammer — a hammer driven by an internal diesel explosion; recognisable by its banging sound
- Hydraulic hammer — a modern, relatively quiet drive
- Rapid-blow hammer — delivers many blows per minute with a lighter weight
Application
- Pile foundations — for driving concrete or steel piles
- Sheet piling and revetment — also for driving sheets and sections
Points to watch
- Pile cap and cushion — between the hammer and the pile head sits a driving cap that spreads the blow and protects the pile head from splitting
- Vibration and noise — piling produces vibration and noise; near existing buildings a low-vibration or low-noise method is often chosen (for example pressing instead of driving)
- Piling record — for each pile the blows and settlement are logged to check that the pile reaches sufficient bearing capacity
Related terms
- Piling
- Driven pile
- Pile-driving cap
- Piling rig
- Pile foundation
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