UTC Scholar

Development of a parametric model for the simulation of impact-vibration pile driving equipment

Abstract: Impact-vibration pile driving equipment has been an important part of vibratory pile driving equipment since the early years of development. In the 1960's the VNIIstroidormash institute in Moscow developed a series of impact-vibration hammers; however, the development of these hammers was stopped in favour of the diesel hammers. The emergence of the need to convert construction equipment to electric power due to environmental considerations reopens the possibility that these hammers may once again need to be considered to drive piles, as the original impact-vibration hammers (in common with their early vibratory counterparts) were powered using specialised electric motors. A model is first developed to simulate the mechanical working of these hammers, followed by comparison to actual designs. The results are generally in line with the original tests (to the extent the results are known) but variances are noted and discussed. Some suggestions for forward movement on the design of this equipment are set forth.