4.1. Characteristics of Double Acting Hammers

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the main advantage of double acting hammers during pile driving?

   Hint

   Consider how energy is transferred in pile driving.

2. 2.

   Name the two main types of soil that affect hammer selection.

   Hint

   Think about soil characteristics.

3. 3.

   What is the primary advantage of using double acting hammers?

   • Lower blow rate
   • Higher blow rate
   • Heavier construction

   Hint

   Consider what aspect of operation is improved.

4. 4.

   True or False: Double acting hammers are generally safe to use with concrete piles in all soil conditions.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the specific characteristics of concrete piles.

5. 5.

   A project needs to drive concrete piles into a site where soil conditions vary from loose sand to compact clay. How can the choice of hammer be optimized?

   Hint

   Consider hammer characteristics for different soil conditions.

6. 6.

   If a contractor has access to heavy single acting hammers and lighter double acting hammers, under what conditions would they exclusively choose one over the other?

   Hint

   Think about the nature of the soil and the energy requirements.