Understanding How Pile Drivers Used

By Jennifer Allen


In the field of construction there is a definite need for heavy equipment that is dependable. The tools most used have been around for years and are known as pile drivers. There are a number of variations of this tool that continues to be in use all over the world. It is important to know the different types of this device to get an understanding of what it can do.

This form of construction equipment is much older than most realize. Evidence indicates that it has been in existence for more than five hundred years. In addition, some evidence indicates mechanical types date back more than 5000 years. The most similar device to modern equipment is derived from the steam powered tool invented in the 1800s.

These tools are heavy equipment that is used to drive poles down into ground. The poles are also called piles. Poles are driven into the ground adding support to building foundations. It uses a weighted pole that is raised into the air and then forces it down through ground. This method has been used in the industry of construction for many years.

There have always been different versions of this tool in existence since its inception. The variations have mostly involved the source of power used to operate the tool in addition to the method of use. With improvements in technology, several versions of the tool have been recycled over the years. New technology has made this device more effective in large scale projects.

Diesel fuel hammers, for example, consists of cylinders, weights, and pistons. The tool is a two stroke, oversized diesel engine. When in use it drops weights that engage the discharge of fuel that causes the piston to be released. When the fuel becomes hot it is combustible and will drive the pistons back up and this cycle will start again. The process continues until fuel runs out or the job is complete.

Although this is a very helpful device, it is no longer as favorable to use as it was at one time. The reason is that it produces a lot of noise and impacts the environment adversely. The vertical travel lead is another version with pistons that adjust to allow it to be used in various large jobs. It has been instrumental in the building of railroads and in the US it is standard.

The modern version of the diesel tool is the hydraulic hammer. It is not at noisy and less hazardous to the environment. The device is specifically helpful when working on large projects. In addition, this type of hammer eliminates a lot of the pollution that is typically associated with diesel fuel. However, because the parts are constantly moving and banging, it is still noisy.

The vibrating driver extractor, piling rig, and hydraulic press in, are other variations of the tool. Press ins are used for jobs in which a diesel hammer will be challenging. For bridge construction, a vibrating driver is ideal, and foundations require the piling rig. This is a multifaceted tool that remains an important part of the field of construction.




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