EI 02G001
CEMP-E
01 July 1997
Table 4-2. Indicators of pile damage.
Observation
Pile Damage
General Indicators of Damage
A sudden increase, decrease, or
Pile breakage if the soil formation has
irregular penetration resistance
not changed from that when previous
piles had been driven.
Drifting of the pile off location as
Pile breakage.
observed at the ground surface.
A sudden lateral snap of the
Pile breakage from bending.
pile head.
Damage observed at the head.
Similar damage may occur at the tip.
Two or more cycles of decreasing
Progressive crushing of the tip.
and increasing penetration
resistance.
Vibration and/or noise of
Interference with the pile being driven.
Previously driven piles.
Types of Observed Damage
Type of Pile
Damage
Timber
Brooming at the tip or head, splintering, or
breaks.
Concrete
Spalling, transverse cracks
Steel
Bending, reduction in cross-section.
b. Prevention of Damage. Overstressing the pile can be prevented by determining how much driving
the pile can tolerate. This is accomplished by completing a wave equation analysis to determine driving
stresses. These stresses and corresponding penetration resistances will be avoided during pile installation.
Experience on how hard the pile can be driven in the field without damage can also assist in avoiding
damage.
(1) Wave Equation Analysis. The wave equation analysis calculates driving stresses which, when
compared with allowable stresses, can determine when overstressing will occur for the selected pile driving
system and the pile.
4-8
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