The Origin Of Marine Pile Drivers

By Michael King


A pile driver refers to a mechanical equipment used for driving piles into the ground in order to offer foundation support for structures such as buildings. This term may also be used when referring to the team that works with pile-driving rigs. These devices can be used on land or in water. When used in water or other aquatic conditions, they are referred to as marine pile drivers.

This machine has its invention claimed by many people. However, some drawing indicate that they were already existing by 1475. James Valoue, James Nasmyth, Count Giovan Battista Gazzola, and Leonardo da Vinci are among the people to whom credit is being given for inventing the device.

Even though the named individuals have been credited with the invention, evidence indicates that a comparable device may have been used in constructing the Scottish Loch Tay and Crannogs at Oakbank. These constructions are very old going back over 5000 years. In the United States, the invention of the steam version of the device is credited to someone named Otis Tufts. With such a history, it is hard to tell exactly who the original inventor of the equipment it.

Today, the number of pile drivers in existence are many. Traditionally, weights in this system were lifted using animals and human labor. Pulleys facilitated the process of lifting the weights. Today, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of more effective methods of lifting and guiding weights. Some major types of piling machine in existence today are diesel hammer, hydraulic press-in, vibratory pile driver/extractor, vertical travel lead systems, and hydraulic hammer.

Diesel hammer devices comprises of two-stroke diesel engines. The piston in the device connects to a cylinder. The piston serves as the weight too. When the process begins, the piston is moved up through auxiliary mechanisms. It is then released to hit the piles through quick-release. At this point, diesel will have been ignited to produce the energy needed to return the piston up. This cycle is repeated over and over until diesel runs out or the gadget is powered down.

The vertical travel lead method is usually abbreviated as VTL. It was invented in in the 1970s by someone named Bermingham. Bermingham went ahead to apply for a patent which was granted the same year. This method is suitable for use on level sites that have little obstructions. It was developed to counter the limitations observed in swinging lead or fixed lead systems

The hydraulic hammer is a very modern kind of piling equipment. It is used for driving timber, precast concrete, and steel pipe piles. This equipment generates a lower amount of pollutants and noise, which makes it more environmentally friendly in comparison to its predecessors. The main sources of noise are impact among components and impact between piles and hammers.

Another modern equipment is the hydraulic press-in. This one employs hydraulic rams for the installation of piles. In areas that are sensitive to vibration, this is the best choice. Most of the devices can be rented from the government or rental companies in most states.




About the Author: