Our previous blogs have covered various forms of marine construction, including dredging and weed control. This blog will expand on our previous piece on marine piling and take a closer look at the different types of pile driving equipment.
This guide will run you through everything you need to know about piling. We will then go on to explain vibratory and hydraulic piling machines and why they are suited to piling projects.
What is Marine piling – a definition
A pile is a post-like object, often concrete, timber or steel, which is driven deep into the ground. Marine piling relates to driving these piles in a water environment, such as a canal or river. These provide the foundations for various construction structures, or stabilise banks.
What is Sheet piling – a definition
A common form of marine piling is marine sheet piling. This refers to a wall of interlocking sheets that prevent river and canal banks from collapsing. This supports waterway banks and ensures nearby construction and footpaths are structurally sound.
Piling machinery
There are a range of factors which need to be considered for piling. These include soil and water conditions, presence of nearby construction and type and weight of piles to be driven. What type of equipment is used depends on these variables. Marine piling is therefore one of the most complex environments in which this process can occur. Specifically, the pressure placed on these waterway structures and the challenge of manoeuvring around difficult territories requires the use of advanced machinery.
Here at the Rothen Group we specialise in undertaking challenging projects and require a range of different piling equipment. Not only are we equipped with a range of piling machinery – we also ensure each pile and sheet pile hammer are of the highest quality possible for this specialised work.
Hydraulic Piling Hammers
A hydraulic pile hammer and a hydraulic sheet pile driver are modern versions of piling machinery. They produce less noise and pollutants due to the equipment’s efficiency than other piling hammers. These pilers provide for high precision and fast blows, perfect for installing steel, timber or concrete piling on the waterways.
We offer three sizes of hydraulic impact piling hammers.
These machines are highly versatile, and can run directly from the machines hydraulic system or a standalone hydraulic power pack. Being physically smaller and very efficient, they can be deployed to complete tasks in more challenging environments. This includes projects undertaken near sensitive structures or railway lines.
Air Hammer
Often used for canal and river restoration projects, air hammers are adaptable, hard-wearing and easy to operate. Depending on size, they are applicable to varying ground conditions, from soft to hard soil. They are also used when working adjacent to structures when vibrations could damage foundations.
Consequently, they can be used in multiple applications, including the driving of H-section columns, mooring and jetty scaffolding. They are also used in the driving of light pile sections and fencing posts, alongside timber posts and piles, and steel tubes. View an Air Hammer in action on YouTube.
Vibratory Pile Hammer
This is one of the pile and sheet pile driving methods we employ. A vibratory pile driver piles by using spinning counterweights to generate vertical vibrations. These loosen the soil, reducing resistance and allowing the pile to move through the ground. This sheet pile driving machine has the ability to alter frequencies and amplitude to suit the soil type.
We often employ vibro hammers for sheet pile driving. This is due to their rapid sheet pile installation, their ability to retract as well as drive and the reduced noise pollution. To complete every task and manoeuvre around difficult construction challenges we offer two types of vibratory pile driving hammer – excavator-mounted and free-hanging.
Excavator-mounted Vibro Hammer
These use an excavator to position a vibratory hammer over the pile, forming a piling rig. This piece of machinery has a very high power to weight ratio, with minimal height to maximise the pile length. Alongside this benefit, this hammer’s slim design makes it an effective piece of sheet pile driving equipment.
Additionally, a vibratory hammer can be an economical option that allows for effective piling in deeper and tighter areas. By having this equipment readily available, we can ensure we have the capacity to complete any piling job. Indeed, we are equipped with a range of options in the vibratory hammer range, from the smallest EMV70 working off five to 12-tonne excavators to the EMV300 powered by excavators up to 25 tonnes.
Free Hanging Vibro Hammer
This pile hammer drives and extracts all types of piles, making it highly suitable for a wide variety of projects. Their ability to work around difficult terrain and waterways means they are ideal for quick and easy installations and fittings. Furthermore, their reduced noise levels when operational means they can be used in residential areas without the risk of noise complaints.
For a construction project which requires piling, we would recommend you contact our specialist team, so we can undertake a site visit. By assessing the location, ground conditions and many other factors, we will be able to advise on which machinery should be used and provide a quote. Following the site visit, our skilled team can mobilise the machinery and operate within a few days to a week, ensuring projects are completed on time and on budget.
If you have any further questions about piling machinery, or would like to know more about the services The Rothen Group can offer, please contact us today on 01827 215715, or email info@therothengroup.co.uk.