Michigan Study of Pile Driving Hammers

Performance characteristics of pile driving hammers were investigated in the Michigan tests, 1961 to 1964. Comparisons were made of light and heavy models of three representative diesels and a standard steam or air hammer. Energy transmitted to the pile (ENTHRU) was measured in terms of force, acceleration, and displacement on 88 electronically instrumented H-Beam and pipe piles. Tests were made at three sites selected to represent the range of Michigan soil conditions that were evaluated quantitatively by standard borings and laboratory tests. Following comprehensive statistical analyses of results, comparative performance was formulated in terms of number of blows required to drive typical piles selected intervals of depth and the speed with which this penetration ocurred under comparable driving conditions. In general, the results indicate that hammers should be selected for specific driving conditions under which they perform best.