Parametric study on pile drivability - selection of hammer and other components

With developments in computing techniques, the use of pile drivability analysis by wave equation has become more popular. Such analyses can be used to arrive at most appropriate hammer energy, weight of hammer, weight of pile cap, cushion material etc, for efficient driving. This paper presents a wave equation study on the effects of these parameters on drivability and driving stresses on a pile. Similar analyses can be arrived at for any given soil condition and proposed pile type to select appropriate hammer, pile cap and cushion material. A worked out example is also included explaining the procedure for arriving at appropriate hammer energy, cushion stiffness and cap weight for soil conditions at a fertiliser plant.