So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Monday, May 23, 2016

The Origin Of Marine Pile Drivers

By Michael King


Sometimes buildings and other structures need to be supported using piles driven into the ground. The device used to drive the piles into the ground is called a pile driver. People who operate the pile-driving rigs are sometimes also referred to by this term. These device find use both in water and on dry land. The name marine pile drivers is used to refer to the devices if they are used in water.

The invention of this device has been claimed by many sources. However, as early as 1475, there was already a drawing of the device in existence. Several people have received the credit for inventing the device including Leonardo da Vinci, Count Giovan Battista Gazzola, James Valoue, and James Nasmyth.

Credit has been given to the individuals named above, but other evidence reveals that the construction of Crannogs at Oakbank and the Scottish Loch Tay was done using a similar device. The Lock Tay and Crannogs are estimated to be over 5000 years old. In the US, Otis Tufts has been given the credit for inventing the steam version of the same device. The mix-up in historical evidence has made it had to state where or who invented the machine first.

Today, the number of pile drivers in existence are many. Traditionally, weights in this system were lifted using animals and human labor. Pulleys facilitated the process of lifting the weights. Today, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of more effective methods of lifting and guiding weights. Some major types of piling machine in existence today are diesel hammer, hydraulic press-in, vibratory pile driver/extractor, vertical travel lead systems, and hydraulic hammer.

A diesel hammer refers to a big two-stroke diesel engine. It comprises of a piston, which also forms the weight/pile and a cylinder which connects to the weight. The process starts by the use of auxiliary means to lift the weight, which is then dropped through quick-release. The weight is driven back up by energy derived from the ignited diesel fuel. The process of raising and dropping the weight occurs in form of a repeating cycle.

The short form for the term vertical travel lead is VTL. The vertical travel lead method was developed in the 70s. The inventor is Bermingham who went ahead to patent the invention after developing the machine. Its suitability is high in regions with flat terrains with no obstructions. The fixed lead system and swinging lead system had limitations that VTL was invented to counter.

The hydraulic hammer is a piling equipment with a short history. It finds use in driving piles made of timber, steel pipe, and precast concrete. The level of noise and pollution is very low, making it environmentally friendly. Noise is often generated from impact among components and between hammers and piles.

Another modern equipment is the hydraulic press-in. This one employs hydraulic rams for the installation of piles. In areas that are sensitive to vibration, this is the best choice. Most of the devices can be rented from the government or rental companies in most states.




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