Pile Driving Inspection Flashcards

What is a 'test pile' or 'indicator pile' used for on an FDOT project?

Answer: A pile driven before production to verify driving criteria and equipment performance

Test or indicator piles are driven before production piling begins to verify that the driving equipment and criteria will achieve the required capacity before full production starts.

What hammer type uses a hydraulic mechanism to raise and drop the ram?

Answer: Single-acting hydraulic hammer

A hydraulic hammer uses hydraulic pressure to raise the ram and then releases it in a free drop (single-acting) or adds downward hydraulic force (double-acting) to drive the pile.

What is the purpose of a 'cushion' or 'capblock' in pile driving?

Answer: To protect the pile head and hammer from impact damage by absorbing energy

A capblock or drive cushion is placed between the hammer and the pile to distribute impact forces and protect both the pile head and the hammer components from damage.

What does PDA stand for in pile driving inspection?

Answer: Pile Driving Analyzer

PDA stands for Pile Driving Analyzer, an electronic instrument that measures force and velocity during pile driving to assess pile capacity and driving system performance.

At what point during pile driving must the inspector notify the engineer?

Answer: When a pile reaches refusal before achieving the minimum tip elevation

If a pile reaches refusal blow count before reaching the minimum tip elevation specified in the plans, the engineer must be notified immediately to evaluate the situation.

What is 'pre-boring' in pile installation?

Answer: Drilling a pilot hole through hard material before driving the pile

Pre-boring is the process of drilling a hole through hard material, obstructions, or dense strata before driving the pile to allow it to penetrate to the required depth.