2. Determining Safe Loads on Piles

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is meant by driving stresses in piles?

   Hint

   Think about the impact experienced when a hammer strikes the pile.

2. 2.

   Name one material commonly used as cushioning for piles.

   Hint

   What type of material can absorb impacts?

3. 3.

   What is the primary function of cushioning materials during pile driving?

   • To increase hammer weight
   • To absorb impact stresses
   • To reduce soil resistance

   Hint

   Think about why we would want to minimize impact on a fragile structure.

4. 4.

   True or False: Increasing the height of fall increases impact velocity and can lead to pile damage.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the relationship between height and velocity.

5. 5.

   A pile hammer with a weight of 6000 pounds drops from a height of 10 feet, and the average penetration is 0.55 feet. Calculate the safe load on the pile using the Engineering News Formula.

   Hint

   Use the formula properly and convert feet to inches if necessary.

6. 6.

   Discuss why heavier hammers with lower drop heights are preferred in concrete pile driving over lighter hammers with higher drop heights.

   Hint

   Consider the effects of impact force on brittle materials.