3.2. Guidelines for Hammer Selection

Try these first

1. 1.

   Why are cushions used during pile driving?

   Hint

   Think about the material properties of concrete!

2. 2.

   What is the primary function of the hammer in pile driving?

   Hint

   It is related to weight and energy!

3. 3.

   What is the ideal weight of a hammer in relation to the pile weight?

   • Less than one-third
   • Equal to the pile weight
   • More than the pile weight

   Hint

   Review the guidelines discussed.

4. 4.

   True or False: Increasing the fall height of a hammer will reduce the impact velocity.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the relationship discussed between height and velocity.

5. 5.

   Given a project where 20 concrete piles of 3000 pounds each are to be driven, how would you select an appropriate hammer and why?

   Hint

   Think about the weight relationships and safety considerations.

6. 6.

   If a hammer weighing 2500 pounds is dropped from a height of 15 feet, will it exceed the safe limits for a pile that can only withstand 22,000 foot-pounds? Calculate.

   Hint

   Calculate the blow energy and compare it to the safe threshold.