CTQP Pile Driving Inspection 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Single-acting hydraulic hammer

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 4

What does PDA stand for in pile driving inspection?

Accepted Answer

Pile Driving Analyzer

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

When a pile reaches refusal before achieving the minimum tip elevation

Answer

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.

CTQP - Construction Training & Qualification Program Practice Test

CTQP - Construction Training & Qualification Program Practice Test

CTQP Pile Driving Inspection 2