DRIVEN PRECAST CONCRETE PILES

Driven precast concrete piles are constructed by hammering the pile into the ground by pile driving plant. Piles of timber, prestressed concrete and steel are also used in this method. The piles are cast into any suitable cross-section such as square, hexagonal, rectangular or circular.

Fig.: Simple Pile Driving Rig

Driven piles are classified as displacement piles, and where the soil can enter during driving as small displacement piles.

Fig: Driven Precast Concrete Piles

Methods of protecting the head of the pile from shattering must be decided before commencing the driving process. This can be determined from the end bearing requirements and driving conditions.

Fig.: Protecting pile head damage during driving

Disadvantage of Driven Precast Concrete Piles Method:

• Damage may occur in the pile at a position not visible from the surface during driving process.
• Pile may get laterally displaced if it encounters any obstructions like rocks in the ground.
• The length of pile is estimated before driving commences, but the accuracy of this assumption is only known on site, where short piles can be difficult to extend and long piles may prove to be expensive and wasteful.
• A large rig is required for driving piles and hard-standings are required to ensure that the ground surface is adequate for the pile-driving.