Push Pull - Case Study

Push-Pull Job Example – Maryland, USA (2007)
Main contractor Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. installed 180 linear meters (approx. 600ft) of 9m long (approx. 30ft) AZ38-700 piles on a vibration sensitive development, close to surrounding structures and siding on to a rail line.

Pre-augering tools were on standby, but the Push-Pull was able to install the piles to finished level without using this option. The ground conditions were sandy/silty for the top few meters, changing to predominantly very stiff red and white clay thereafter.

The Push-Pull was integrated with a Delmag RH-32W drilling rig, belonging to Dawson distributors Hammer & Steel Inc.

Drilling rigs are typically not required to have the facility to rotate, or ‘articulate’, the leader. Such articulation is essential when installing steel sheet piles, however, Dawson therefore equipped the Push-Pull with a swivel assembly. Located between the press and the standard Delmag carriage, this hydraulically actuated swivel permits the operator to precisely orientate the Push-Pull to align with the sheet piles. This facility simplifies the process of rig positioning and enables the rig to approach the pile line from a wide range of angles.