E‑SAXIMETER (E‑SAX)
Handheld instrument registering relevant pile driving parameters
calculating stroke for open end diesel hammer or hammer blows per minute (BPM), for an accurate pile driving log.
Counts hammer blows, and equivalent blows per minute for all hammer types; calculates stroke height for diesel hammers
Provides a drive log of blow count as a function of depth
Results are downloaded from the E-SAX to your computer
Optional accessories allow for impact velocity measurements to compute kinetic energy and depth measurements
Newest model of Saximeter now available: SAX-Q
DESCRIPTION
The E-Saximeter registers all relevant pile driving parameters. It calculates the hammer operating rate in blows per minute and helps the piling inspector create a pile driving log. For single-acting, open-end diesel hammers the E-Sax also displays the hammer potential energy and ram stroke. This measurement is important since excessive stroke can cause pile damage.
The E-Sax is a handheld instrument. In its basic configuration, the pile inspector observes the driving process and pushes a button for every depth increment as the driving progresses. Several accessories further enhance the functionality of this time-tested sound recognition device including:
Proximity switches installed on the driving hammer and a wireless transmission system (transmitter attached to the driving hammer and E-Sax internal transceiver) enable the E-Saximeter to compute the hammer's kinetic energy. Kinetic energy may be input to the GRLWEAP pile driving simulation software to fine-tune the driving criteria.
A depth measurement reel with wireless transmission capabilities eliminates the need for manual depth increment input, automating the entire creation of the driving log.
The Saximeter-Q is the latest addition to the saximeter family with new features like automatic driving logs, hammer database, and customized reports.
“Energy monitoring was specified in the (Woodrow Wilson Bridge) contract Special Provisions. The main benefit of the monitoring is for the Virginia Department of Transportation to have more accurate driving logs than are typically created by hand. When correlated with the PDA results, it allows driving criteria to be in terms of hammer energy instead of blows per foot at a certain stroke.”
– Ryan G. Gorman, P.E., Project Manager, Corman Construction, Inc.
(Note: PDA is the Pile Driving Analyzer® – the E-Sax can assess hammer potential and kinetic energy, while the PDA calculates the energy actually transferred to the pile)
Visit the PDI Website for more information.