By Michael King


A pile driver refers to a mechanical equipment used for driving piles into the ground in order to offer foundation support for structures such as buildings. This term may also be used when referring to the team that works with pile-driving rigs. These devices can be used on land or in water. When used in water or other aquatic conditions, they are referred to as marine pile drivers.

This machine has its invention claimed by many people. However, some drawing indicate that they were already existing by 1475. James Valoue, James Nasmyth, Count Giovan Battista Gazzola, and Leonardo da Vinci are among the people to whom credit is being given for inventing the device.

Despite credit being given to many recent inventors, some other evidence shows that the Crannogs of Oakbank and the Loch Tay of Scotland were constructed using a similar instrument. The ages of the Lock Tay and Crannogs are very old with estimation placing them over 5000 years. In the US, credit for the invention of the steam types goes to an individual called Otis Tufts. It is hard to pinpoint the actual inventor or the time of invention for that matter following the mix-up in history.

Today, many different kinds of pile drivers have been invented. Human and animal labor was used to power the system before better technology was invented. Lifting was facilitated by pulleys. Today, with all the advancements in technology, weights are guided and lifted using more efficient methods. Vibratory pile driver/extractor, hydraulic press-in, vertical travel lead systems, hydraulic hammer, and diesel hammer are some of the major devices in use today.

A diesel hammer refers to a big two-stroke diesel engine. It comprises of a piston, which also forms the weight/pile and a cylinder which connects to the weight. The process starts by the use of auxiliary means to lift the weight, which is then dropped through quick-release. The weight is driven back up by energy derived from the ignited diesel fuel. The process of raising and dropping the weight occurs in form of a repeating cycle.

The abbreviation VTL is often used for vertical travel lead. The invention of the method occurred in 1970s and was later patented. The inventor is somebody called Bermingham. It has a higher suitability in areas that are leveled and lack obstructions. Its invention was to counter weaknesses and limitation that existed in swinging lead systems and fixed lead systems

The hydraulic hammer is a very modern kind of piling equipment. It is used for driving timber, precast concrete, and steel pipe piles. This equipment generates a lower amount of pollutants and noise, which makes it more environmentally friendly in comparison to its predecessors. The main sources of noise are impact among components and impact between piles and hammers.

Another modern equipment is the hydraulic press-in. This one employs hydraulic rams for the installation of piles. In areas that are sensitive to vibration, this is the best choice. Most of the devices can be rented from the government or rental companies in most states.




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