For the first time, the PDM implements an improved dynamic pile driving formula which can account for the delivered energy to EVERY PILE. In conjunction with a program of PDA testing of representative test piles, the PDM can be used to evaluate a capacity estimate for each and every pile installed. The PDM provides real-time pile capacity evaluation during driving or on restrike. QC documentation is available within seconds.
Monitoring pile set in marine conditions is difficult enough, but measurement of rebound which is important for pile capacity evaluation has never been possible. With the PDM, measurement of set and rebound for marine piles is now possible from distances of up to 30m. The PDM can be positioned on a stable location - land, wharf, jack-up platform or previously driven pile or pile bent. With the marine piling software module the PDM can calculate set and rebound even on a floating barge!
Steel tubes and sheet-piles are often vibrated into place rather than driven. Vibration can be faster and cheaper. But unlike driven piles, the installation process is not usually monitored. The PDM can continuously record vibration frequency, vibration amplitude and penetration rate, and infer installation capacity and assess vibrator performance. The PDM brings QA to vibratory installation, allows optimal selection of frequency and power to maximize penetration speed and allows layer changes to be mapped.
The PDM is not restricted to monitoring driven piles - it can also be used to measure the ram impact to measure hammer efficiency, velocity or monitor the complete hammer cycle to confirm hammer stroke (STR), optimize hammer operation by adjusting delay time (DEL), or troubleshoot hammer operation.
The PDM includes onboard accelerometers to measure ground vibrations from piling or vibration activities at the same time as pile measurements are being made. The PDM can report peak ground accelerations (PGA) and peak particle velocity (PPV).
The PDM can be used to monitor SPT site investigation testing. The PDM records hammer energy, hammer impact velocity, SPT blow count, set vs penetration, SPT analysis and energy correction. There is no need for gauges and cabling, and the results are stable and unaffected by the high accelerations of the steel-steel impact. This enables calibration of these notoriously inconsistent, yet critical, site investigation tools.
The PDM can be used to monitor deflections during static load testing to an accuracy of +/- 0.1mm. The non-contact measurement methodology can eliminate the need for reference beams and time consuming equipment set-ups.
The PDM can be used to monitor deflections of structures to an accuracy of +/- 0.1mm under dynamic loading conditions such as traffic or wind loading. With a measurement frequency of up to around 4000 Hz, rapid loading events can be monitored with high resolution and accuracy.
The PDM measurement technique lends itself to assessment of in-service rail deflections, providing valuable performance data in the rail environment.