Pile Driver Operator how-to

How to Drive a Pile to Refusal

Refusal shows bearing capacity.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Refusal shows bearing capacity. In short: set; start; increase, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Set the pile plumb.

  2. Start light.

  3. Increase energy.

  4. Count blows per foot.

  5. Stop at refusal criteria.

  6. Record.

Safety reminders for pile driver operators

  • Stay clear of hammers
  • Wear hearing protection
  • Use fall protection on leads
  • Follow crane safety

Pile · Leads · Refusal · Blow count · Sheet pile · H-pile: see the full pile driver operator glossary.

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