Monitoring and Process Control of Vibratory Driving

Abstract

Vibrators are used increasingly in the foundation industry, primarily for installation of piles and sheet piles, but also for deep vibratory compaction. Fundamentals of vibratory driving are described that make it possible to choose vibrator performance parameters based on field monitoring and performance control. Variable frequency and amplitude vibrators have become available that make it possible to adapt the driving process to project-specific requirements. The components of modern electronic measuring systems are detailed that can be used to monitor, control, and document different aspects of vibratory driving. Two examples are presented—vibratory driving of sheet piles and resonance compaction—which show how the performance of vibrators and sheet piles can be analysed and adapted to meet specific requirements. By using the advanced monitoring and process control systems, the efficiency of vibratory driving is enhanced. From the retrieved parameters, a better understanding of the vibratory driving process is gained, which can be used to develop a valuable database.