Study of impact sheet pile and Franki NG pile driving on weir construction

Abstract

The proper quality and the safe execution of geotechnical works imposes the necessity of monitoring techniques to prevent the threats arising from the vibrations. This work presents authors experience gained during sheet piling and Franki pile driving in time of construction of water power plant. Dynamic impact of foundation works can be perceptible by humans and can affect structures and technical devices. The immediate reason for the dynamic analysis was the occurrence of clearly perceivable vibration of the weir. The measurements were performed during sheet wall installation and Franki pile driving at various measuring points. Wave parameter measurements and recording of shocks and vibrations in the close vicinity of the construction site were juxtaposed for different installation phases and measuring points. A comparison of the two technologies shows that the largest vibrations occur during formation of the cast-in-situ (over)expanded Franki pile base. Sheet pile wall installation supported by additional processes such as pre-boring turned out to be as less harmful.