A pile-driving rig (or piling rig) is the machine or frame used to drive foundation piles into the ground. The rig holds the pile in position and guides the hammer that falls onto the pile head with force. Without a stable guide, the pile would run off at an angle.
Components
A modern pile-driving rig usually consists of:
- Leader (mast) — the vertical, often adjustable guide rail
- Hammer — the falling or powered weight that delivers the blow; hydraulic, diesel or drop hammer
- Driving cap — the intermediate piece that spreads the blow and protects the pile head
- Undercarriage — tracks or a pontoon, so the rig can move across the site or over water
Types
- Tracked rig — mobile on land, most commonly used
- Pontoon rig — for work over water
- Vibratory rig — piles are vibrated in rather than struck, quieter
- Boring rig — for cast-in-situ (bored) piles
Application
The pile-driving rig is used for:
- Pile foundations — for houses, buildings, bridges and quay walls
- Sheet piling — installing steel or timber sheet-pile sections
- Site preparation — where building takes place on soft ground
When driving in built-up areas, vibrations and noise are monitored, as they can damage neighbouring buildings.
Related terms
- Pile
- Pile hammer
- Driving cap
- Pile-driving record
- Pile foundation
- Sheet piling
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