2.5. Guidelines for Soft and Medium Cohesive Soil

Try these first

1. 1.

   What type of hammer is recommended for concrete piles?

   Hint

   Think about how to minimize stresses.

2. 2.

   What is the main difference between cohesive and non-cohesive soils?

   Hint

   Consider how each type behaves when wet.

3. 3.

   What type of hammer is best for very loose sands?

   • Single Acting
   • Double Acting
   • Vibratory

   Hint

   Think about the rapid blow rate of hammers.

4. 4.

   True or False: Heavier hammers are necessary for soft soils.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the soil's ability to absorb blow energy.

5. 5.

   Given a pile made of concrete in a very stiff cohesive soil, what hammer type would you select and why?

   Hint

   Consider how the hammer type will affect the stress on the concrete.

6. 6.

   If you need to drive a steel H-pile in medium non-cohesive soil, describe the hammer selection process using U.S. guidelines.

   Hint

   Recall the classification table provided in the U.S. guidelines.