Pile driving - When soils are too soft, wet or loamy for conventional foundation footers wooden, concrete or steel tubes can be driven into place to provide the needed support below for the structure above. As piles are driven into the ground by either pushing, hammering or vibrating them into place, they solidify the surrounding soil, rest against bedrock and help keep the structure high and dry up from the ground. Even when soil conditions permit proper foundation placement; flood zones may not, so piles must be placed to keep the structure well above previous flood stages.
There are three types of pile driving equipment that perform various functions. Diesel driven ram shafts typically drive wooden piles into soil using an explosive charge of diesel to drive down a piston that controls the ram shaft. The exhaust expels the ram back into place to start again.
A hydraulic ram uses hydraulic fluid and a diesel motor to create compression in the fluid and drive the ram shaft into the pile. This can be driven by a diesel, gas or electric motor. Hydraulic pile drivers often drive steel or wooden piles into the ground.
Vibratory pile drivers typically drive cement columns into the ground using a high frequency electromagnetic motor that pulses at low and high frequency pulses to drive pilings into various soils. Water and clay mixes are injected around the pile to help liquefy soils to press the pile deep into the ground with ease.
Although there are distinct uses for each type of pile driver, no matter who you hire, a licensed and insured pile driver operator is a must have for any job. Without the proper licenses and insurance, permits cannot be pulled, fines may be imposed or unprofessional work may result.
But besides a state, regional or federal pile driving license, a good set of at least three or more contactable references is a sure bet you’ll get just the right pile driver for your project. A few phone calls and a visit to a past job or two can give you the reference point you need to find a quality, experienced and professional pile driving company for your above the ground foundation project.
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