Pile Driving Inspection Flashcards
7 cards from real CTQP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pile Driving Inspection flashcards as text
What does a 'pile refusal' condition indicate during driving?
Answer: The pile has reached its design capacity and can no longer be driven
Pile refusal occurs when the pile meets resistance that prevents further penetration, typically indicating it has reached bearing capacity at or near design load.
Which type of pile splice is generally considered the strongest for steel H-piles?
Answer: Full penetration butt weld
A full penetration butt weld develops the full strength of the pile section and is the preferred splice method for steel H-piles under high loads.
When should a pile inspector record the 'set' measurement?
Answer: During the final set of blows near the end of driving
Set is measured during the final blows of driving — typically the last inch or fraction of an inch per blow — to determine bearing capacity using driving formulas.
A concrete pile develops a longitudinal crack during driving. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Excessive tension stresses from hammer rebound
Longitudinal (horizontal or tension) cracks in concrete piles are typically caused by tensile stress waves reflecting back up the pile during hard driving or near refusal.
Under FDOT CTQP requirements, who is responsible for maintaining the pile driving log?
Answer: The pile driving inspector assigned to the project
The pile driving inspector is responsible for accurately maintaining the pile driving log, recording blow counts, penetration, and field observations throughout driving.
What is the purpose of a 'follower' in pile driving operations?
Answer: An extension used to drive a pile below the reach of the leads
A follower is a structural member placed between the hammer and the pile top to extend the effective driving depth when the pile head is below the reach of the leads.
When driving piles in a group, which sequence is typically recommended to minimize soil heave effects?
Answer: Drive from the center of the group outward
Driving from the center outward allows displaced soil to move freely outward, reducing heave on previously driven piles and minimizing group effects.