The Invention And Use 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.

Many people have laid claim to the invention of this machine. Drawing dating back as early as 1475 show that it was already existing. Some of the people to whom credit for invention has been given include Leonardo da Vinci, James Valoue, James Nasmyth, and Count Giovan Battista Gazzola.

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.

A diesel hammer refers to a big two-stroke diesel engine. It comprises of a piston, which also forms the weight/pile and a cylinder which connects to the weight. The process starts by the use of auxiliary means to lift the weight, which is then dropped through quick-release. The weight is driven back up by energy derived from the ignited diesel fuel. The process of raising and dropping the weight occurs in form of a repeating cycle.

The short form for the term vertical travel lead is VTL. The vertical travel lead method was developed in the 70s. The inventor is Bermingham who went ahead to patent the invention after developing the machine. Its suitability is high in regions with flat terrains with no obstructions. The fixed lead system and swinging lead system had limitations that VTL was invented to counter.

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.

Hydraulic press-in is another contemporary device that installs piles using hydraulic rams. The preference of this method is higher in places where vibration needs to be minimized. In most countries, there are companies that lease piling devices to members of the public. Most governments also maintain fleets of their own.




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