Dynamic pile response using two pile-driving techniques

Because of disadvantages caused by pile top driving, a new pile driving technique by which the hammer is inside the pile has been developed by contractors. The so called "down-the hole" piling system is used to drive a tubular pile in an experimental set-up in the laboratory. This new technique is tested and compared with pile top driving using similar hammer energy. A reduction of noise and the opportunity to save steel are confirmed during a field test program. Also, a reduction in driving time and a higher bearing capacity have been observed. Some similar conclusions are arrived at in the laboratory study, specially the low level of stresses in the pile and the shaft friction. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.