Advantages of Top Driven Piles
Different piles are more suitable for some jobs than others. By weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of each pile type, contractors can decide which piling types are the most suitable for their project.
Top driven piles have a long list of advantages to consider when deciding on what piles to use. Capacities can be calculated to ensure that reduced the risk of problems occurring from ground conditions. Hammer force can be adjusted endlessly without affecting the accuracy and consistency of the hammer energy. Unexpected capacity reductions by hammer energy losses are not a problem when the hammer hits any deflected piles.
Unlike bored piles, top driven piles are cured before they are delivered to the site and can be CASE tested to double their Safe Working Load (SWL) rather than having to wait until the concrete has been cured. Simulated static tests (CAPWAP) can be carried out on the system and rig. Driving resistance can be monitored continuously via a computer.
Top driven piles are not affected by any water leakages from the ground and the square-ended design means that obstructions are easily dealt with. Finally, top driven piles are manufactured in a very controlled environment which means that they completely eliminate the risk of inclusions or cavities in the concrete.