ANDERBERG CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING, INC. (1 of 6)
4100-10 Redwood Road #368
Oakland, CA 94619-2363 USA
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Composite Pile Installation – (Overview)
Development of Underground Pile Driving Techniques
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Introduction
The pile driving industry has been a viable method of construction for decades. Wood, concrete and steel "H" piles, as well as steel caissons, have been driven into the earth to support systems for literally thousands and thousands of uses and projects. Large cranes fitted with heavy diesel hammer drivers have proven to be the most efficient and economical method for installation.
These hammers essentially deliver brute force at the upper end of a pile which is to be driven. The method of driving has become a high income generating tool for both the contractor and the pile manufacturer.
New Technology
Composite technical advances within industry have now facilitated the production of structural composites which are as strong as steel yet light in weight. Long life characteristics and resistance to corrosion have become formidable assets.
These new advances have now allowed composite pile caissons to replace steel where corrosive soil conditions persist.
Problem Statement
Recent concern regarding the life expectancy of driven piles with respect to corrosion and replacement issues have caused attention to be directed toward the development of structural composite piles.
Structural composite piles offer many advantages including an extreme long life-cycle but have inherent challenges with installation. When being conventionally driven, the composite pile absorbs much of the energy transfer causing the driving hammer to "bounce" when significant resistance is encountered. This will leave the piling "short" of the load capacity desired.
Inter-Disciplinary Research Program “Testing”
The scope of the program is to develop a pile driving delivery technique which operates at the lead tip of the composite pile to be placed. The project will be carried out in collaboration between the composite manufacturer, the installation contractor, university testing and outside independent engineering evaluation. The development of the new technology, analysis and report findings will be utilized for market penetration.
Initial testing programs will develop various types of tool and lead pile configuration and interaction in soft soil sites. Continuos load capacity data will be obtained to further advance research and development. The results of load bearing capacity will be tested against conventional methods in terms of efficiency, data and economics for purposes of commercial investments. Other side effects will be analyzed and discussed.
Benefits
This is an applied research program that will expand existing knowledge about pile driving in an entirely new direction. It will enable non-specialty contractors to enter the market worldwide and construct piling systems virtually anywhere without the need for conventional large scale driving equipment.
With data derived specifically from this new "punch pile" technique of down hole pile driving installation ability, the engineering and environmental community will then be able to design to "known" criteria within the industry.
Economic Importance
Research derived from developing this new piling installation technique will develop the use of structural composites to their effective use within the industry.
Reclaiming of unusable land space, long life-cycle advantages, limited access construction capabilities, corrosion resistance characteristics and overall labor and equipment savings are compelling.
Infrastructure repair and replacement of existing pilings will become more feasible.
The installation of a piling system, which will require NO maintenance or replacement costs, makes economic sense. With so much effort being focused on "budget constraints", it is clear that opportunities for the next decade and beyond within the piling industry will be the result of use and development of structural composites and the ability to deliver them efficiently and economically through the use of the "Punch Pile" process, effectively creating a 1,000 year pile.
VB Composite Pile Installation – (Overview).doc
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