Table of Contents

Page

E-SAXIMETER 1. INTRODUCTION ............................... 1 9. REVIEW………………………………...12

2. OPERATION ...................................... 1 10. SAVE …………………………………..13

2.1 Power....................................... 2
2.2 Keypad……………………….….2 11. OPEN FILE ON COMPUTER……….13
2.3 Startup ..................................... 2
2.4 Setup ....................................... 4 12. NEW PILE NAME…………………….13
2.3.1 . Units ................................... 5
2.3.2 . Pen Increment .................... 5 13 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
2.3.3 . Edit Notes ........................... 5 FOR OPEN-END DIESEL
2.3.4 . Owner ................................. 5 HAMMERS ....................................... 14
2.3.5 . Date Time ........................... 5 13.1 Inclined (Battered) Pile
2.3.6 . RST Hammer list ................ 6 Driving .. .......................................... 14
2.3.7..Mode…………………………6 13.2 Accuracy ................................ 16
2.3.8..USB Host……………..……..6 13.3 The Last Blow ........................ 17
User’s Manual 14. NORMAL OPERATION ................... 17
3. DATA COLLECTION ......................... 6
July 2011 3.1 Audio Mode ............................. 6
3.2 Manual Mode ........................... 7 15. MAINTENANCE .............................. 17
Pile Dynamics, Inc. 3.3 Pause Mode ............................ 7
3.4 Creating a Driving Log ............. 7 16. WARRANTY .................................... 18
30725 Aurora Road 3.5 Blow Rate ................................ 8
Cleveland, Ohio 44139 USA
4. DISPLAY ........................................... 9

phone: 216-831-6131 5. OUTPUT .......................................... 11

fax: 216-831-0916 6. MEMORY MANAGEMENT .............. 11

email: [email protected] 7. CONSISTENT OPERATION............ 11

www.pile.com 8. COMMENTS .................................... 12

i ii
1. INTRODUCTION rechargeable batteries. Fully charged working on the same site with the same
batteries should operate the hammer so no setup change is then required.
The E-SAXIMETER electronically (a) detects
a hammer impact by either a sound
E-SAXIMETER for at least 12 hours. To The pile name can be any alphanumeric
recognition circuit or manual keypad input; (b) recharge, connect the charger to the power name. Use the keypad to enter the name
counts blows, (c) determines the duration input on the left edge of the (and the left arrow key to backspace or make
between consecutive blows, Δt, and converts E-SAXIMETER. Time to fully charge is corrections). Generally, you must enter a
this to equivalent Blows Per Minute, BPM; (d) approximately 4 hours. To conserve unique name for each pile. You are prompted
converts Δt to the stroke (H) of an open end to enter a new name if the pile name has
battery life, switch the power off between already been taken (if you need the same
diesel ram; and (e) determines average
values for display and/or saving. piles or during breaks such as lunch or name, modify the name somewhat: e.g. pile
when splicing a pile, or place the P3 could be changed to P3A). When the up
The conversion from Δt to stroke for open end E-SAXIMETER in PAUSE. arrow key is pressed, a list of current piles is
diesels is derived from both field observation shown and allows you to append to an
and laboratory analysis based on a free fall 2.2 existing file.
assumption with correction for
pre-compression and friction. Comparisons Keypad If your hammer is different than that shown
with field results indicates a ±0.3 feet (±0.1 place the cursor on HAMMER and press
meter) accuracy. Only open end diesel All keys have a primary function and some ENTER. Enter the hammer name HN or
hammers have both upward and downward have an additional alternate function. select from list using the up arrow (scroll
free fall ram motion and hence only this Alternate functions are colored blue and through the list with up and down arrows;
hammer type is compatible to the stroke selected by first pressing the blue-ALT key press the ID {1 to 6} for the 18
computation. However, the E-SAXIMETER (e.g. to enter the letter “Q” first press the preprogrammed Delmag hammers or 12 user
can effectively monitor other hammer types by blue-ALT followed by the “Q” which is on the programmable hammers). Select the
using the blow rate in “blows per minute” same key as “P”). hammer type HT as either OPEN END
(BPM) or by energy monitoring with the DIESEL or OTHER HAMMER (e.g. hydraulic,
proximity switches. The highest 2.3 drop, air, or double acting diesel). If hammer
E-SAXIMETER blow rate is 240 BPM. The type is “OTHER”, you can enter a name,
user can operate the E-SAXIMETER in either Startup hammer ram weight HW, an informational
English or SI (metric) units. STROKE, and maximum BPM for the hammer.
On power up, the E-SAXIMETER gives a brief Press the left arrow key when done to
2. OPERATION welcome screen with version date. A second continue.
screen then briefly allows you to change the
2.1 Power “setup” (Section 2.3). If no action is needed, it The project name will be associated with all
then asks you to enter the pile name and pile data output. The current project name is
The E-SAXIMETER is powered by length for the next pile. Normally, you will be stored with each pile. Edit to change or press
ENTER when the project name is correct.

1
2 3
 2.3.1 Units 2.3.6 RST Hammer List
The total length defaults to the previous value
from the last pile and is only for informational Select English units (depth and stroke will be If changes have been inadvertently made to
purposes. To change the value, press the in feet and energy in ki-ft), or SI units (depth the hammer list, they can be reset to the
down arrow to move the cursor to this line and and stroke in meters and energy in kJ). Press default values by this option. Press CLEAR to
type the new value (old value disappears the left arrow key when done selecting units. reset the hammer list.
when new entry is made). You can return to
the pile name with another down arrow, or 2.3.2 Pen Increment 2.3.7 Mode
simply press enter to begin or continue data
collection. The penetration increment is normally one Options include Memory or Basic. In Memory
foot for English units and the alternate mode data is save in internal memory. In
When pile name and total length are increment is one inch. For SI units the Basic Mode data is not saved. Select the
entered, press ENTER for data collection suggested main increment is 250 mm and the desired Mode and press the left arrow key
(see Section 3 of this manual for further alternate increment 25 mm. However, these when complete.
instructions for data collection). values can be changed. Press ENTER when
changes are complete or if current values are 2.3.8 USB Host
2.4 Setup acceptable.
The USB host chip is programmed to provide
The E-SAXIMETER can be configured to the 2.3.3 Edit Notes memory data transfer to a USB storage
site requirements by pressing the SETUP key device.
during startup. SETUP contains several user Six preprogrammed “NOTES” are given to
choices. Most show the current value. To help document the data collected. You can
change any value, place the cursor on that edit these notes this quick editor. Press 3. DATA COLLECTION
line (with the up or down arrow key) and press ENTER when complete.
the yellow ENTER key. Once setup is 3.1 Audio Mode
completed, the E-SAXIMETER remembers 2.3.4 Owner
your choices. Setup is only needed if there The E-SAXIMETER operates in either
is a change to be made with items listed in The “Owner name” for this E-SAXIMETER automatic “A” or manual “M” mode. When the
Sections 2.3.1 through 2.3.7). When all can be changed. This information is included E-SAXIMETER enters the data collect screen,
setup parameters have been correctly in the driving log. Press ENTER when the the unit is in PAUSE mode to avoid false
entered, press the left arrow key to end this owner name is acceptable. blows from random noise. To switch to collect
session and go to the data collection screen. mode, press either the CLEAR, ENTER, or
2.3.5 Date Time PAUSE key. In automatic mode, data is
acquired when the internal microphone
The Day and Time (24 hour clock: e.g. 2:30 senses a loud sound. In the “A mode” the
PM is 14:30 on a 24 hour clock) can be sound “Level” is displayed on the display as
changed. The day is shown in the form of “A” followed by a number (indicating the
yyyy-mm-dd (year, month, day). loudness). The user can adjust the sound
trigger level manually (M mode) by pressing
4 5 6
the up or down arrows (“Level” then shows an key each time you visually observe the blows may occur (e.g. due to the bounce of
“M” followed by the relative loudness required pile reaches the next penetration depth; drop hammers, or for single acting air
to trigger; a level of 70 is the lowest possible the display shows the current penetration hammers where the air release at the top of
sound trigger level. To return to automatic value PEN which should then increment by each stroke). As a general rule set the
trigger level mode, press CLEAR. the main PEN increment (Section 2.3.3). In MAXBPM to a value 10 or 20 above the
hard driving you may switch to the highest expected rate (e.g. 70 for open end
3.2 Manual Mode alternate increment by pressing PI. The diesels; 100 for closed end diesels; 70 for
PEN will then be increased by the alternate single acting air/steam hammers; 140 for
To switch into fully manual data collection PI. double acting air/steam hammers; for
mode, press the MANUAL key (the “Level” hydraulic hammer, consult the manufacturer).
display will show MAN). Every subsequent At any time you can add a note (Section 2.3.4) Enter the MAXBPM for the hammer in the
key press of MANUAL will cause the count to to document any preprogrammed event that is hammer SETUP menu (Sect. 2.3.1)
increase by one blow; no blows will be of special interest. Alternatively, you may
detected by any sound while in this MANUAL create any note by just typing a short 4. DISPLAY
mode. To return to the fully automatic message; (it will be displayed during typing on
mode (A mode), press CLEAR. the bottom line of the E-SAXIMETER display); Adjust the four line display for contrast with
such notes will be included with the pile the adjustment screw on the left edge of the
3.3 Pause Mode driving log in the output. At the conclusion unit.
of driving, press PEN to enter the final
To use PAUSE while the hammer is stopped penetration depth. During data collection:
(so the E-SAXIMETER will not trigger on false
signals), press the PAUSE key. In normal To conserve battery life, switch the power off The display top line shows the LAST
startup, the E-SAXIMETER automatically between piles or during breaks or splicing. values for blows per minute (BPM) and
goes into PAUSE to prevent false blows from blow number (BN) counted between the
being registered. When the hammer is 3.5 Blow Rate last two AVG key presses. A driving log is
started the E-SAXIMETER returns to data generated by pressing the AVG key once
collection from PAUSE by pressing the The speed of data collection is extremely every unit penetration (e.g. once per foot if
CLEAR, ENTER or PAUSE keys. PAUSE important for proper counting of blows. counting in blows per foot). The total
also uses less power so prolongs battery life. This is controlled by the MAXBPM or the number of blows for the entire pile is
expected maximum “blows per minute” displayed in the far right hand side. The
3.4 Creating a Driving Log hammer operating rate which must be far left hand side will display the average
correctly entered in SETUP. If set too low (e.g. stroke height of the last increment for an
Before driving begins, enter the starting or 60 while the hammer operates at 90 BPM), OED hammer type, N/A for an OTHER
current pile penetration (PEN) by pressing then some blows will be missed and show too hammer type when operating the
the PEN key and entering the current depth low a BPM (in our example, the real 90 BPM E-Saximeter in audio mode and average
below reference. As the pile is driven, the shows as 45 BPM since only every second kinetic energy when operating the
E-SAXIMETER will count each blow. To blow is counted). If the blow rate is set too E-Saximeter with proximity switches.
create a “driving log” (blow count versus high (e.g. 150 while the hammer is operating
penetration depth), press the yellow AVG at a much lower rate like 30 BPM) then extra
7 8 9
 The second line of the display shows the to backspace and enter an alphanumeric inconsistency. The cause (lack of lubrication,
incrementing current values (NOW) of entry such as project name or pile name, or if malfunctioning fuel pump, poor hammer-pile
BPM and counting blows BN. At the far a numeric value is expected then just enter alignment, etc.) for a varying stroke should be
right side the trigger control parameter some number from the keypad, etc. determined and corrected to improve hammer
(described in Sections 3.1 and 3.2) is performance. An indicated one foot stroke
displayed. When an “S” appears in the 5. OUTPUT difference for an open end diesel may also be
LEVEL field, this indicates that the caused by erratic triggering. At a 7-foot stroke,
E-SAXIMETER is STOPPED and waiting Display output can be manually recorded. a 0.10 second change of duration, )t, causes a
for data (no blow detected for more than 3 However, stored data can be processed by 1-foot stroke difference. High background
seconds). At the far left most side the pressing OUTPUT (twice) which has two noise, sound reflecting walls or other
current potential or kinetic energy will be choices: Review Pile and Save Data. conditions may cause such small changes in
displayed for and OED hammer type and the time duration measurement. It may then
N/A or the kinetic energy for an OTHER be necessary to find another location where
hammer type. Review Pile presents a brief summary of the steady triggering occurs or manually adjust
data or PILE PARAMETERS for one selected the trigger level and MAXBPM. For
The third line shows the date and time pile of your choice on the display. See inconsistent operation of air steam hammers,
and the current Penetration Increment Section 9. check the supply source valves and hoses.
value.
Save Data copies all piles or selected piles to 8. COMMENTS
The bottom line shows the last completed a USB storage device.
penetration depth in the far right side. For User input comments (up to 16 characters)
an OED hammer type, the far left side will can be inserted into the memory. To
display the potential energy, PE, when 6. MEMORY MANAGEMENT accomplish this, clear the lower left INPUT
operating the E-Saximeter in audio mode area of the LCD using the left arrow key. Type
and kinetic energy, K, when operating the The E-SAXIMETER contains limited data in your message. Backspace is accomplished
E-Saximeter with proximity switches. For storage. Eventually the E-SAXIMETER with the left arrow key. For comments longer
an OTHER hammer type, the maximum memory will be full. To clear the memory, than 7 characters the PEN will alternate with
driving rate or speed, SPD, will be press OUTPUT, select Memory, and press the comment. When the comment is finished,
displayed. The lower left area may also the Clear key. Partial memory clearing is not press ENTER to save it.
display a message entered as a comment possible. After a Memory Clear a D5 hammer
or a prompt to enter a new pile name if the parameters are selected as default. 9. REVIEW PILE
last pile driven has finished.
7. CONSISTENT OPERATION The data in memory can be viewed on the
During other operations (e.g. “setup”), the display by selecting OUTPUT and then the
screen may show other data, or suggestions Inconsistent hammer operation or erratic desired data by project and by pile using the
for data entry (e.g. up or down arrow to shift triggering both result in varying BPM and menu and arrow keys. The first and last piles
the cursor to a new line, left-arrow to signal stroke values displayed by the are noted by the indicators "1" and "L",
the event is “Done”, or ENTER to continue, E-SAXIMETER Open end diesel hammers respectively. When the "*" is on the pile to
perhaps a numeric entry, or use the left-arrow are easily observed hammer stroke review, press ENTER. The display shows first
10 11 12
a summary of results followed by three do not change and simply changing the pile

Example: E-SAXIMETER Stroke Indicator Reading h = 7.5 ft and batter 1:2 yield stroke 6.5 ft (in axial direction)
columns of data as a function of depth (last name is sufficient.

11.9
11.9
11.9
11.8
11.7
11.7
11.6
11.5
11.3
11.0
10.6
10.2
depth displayed first for convenience). Each

9.7
9.2
8.1
12
line contains the penetration, Result (BPM, 13. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR
Stroke, or Energy as indicated at the top of the OPEN-END DIESEL HAMMERS

10.9
10.9
10.9
10.8
10.7
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.3
10.1
column), and Number of blows. Using down

9.7
9.4
8.9
8.4
7.4
11
arrow scrolls to the next line of data. The It is not always possible to directly utilize the
E-SAXIMETER data should be downloaded results of the E-SAXIMETER stroke. A few

10.0
daily or weekly to a PC (see Section 5). problem situations will be discussed and

9.9
9.9
9.8
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.2
8.8
8.5
8.1
7.7
6.7
10
recommendations for best results given.
10. SAVE DATA
13.1 Inclined (Battered) Pile Driving

9.0
8.9
8.9
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.2
7.9
7.6
7.3
6.9
6.0
The memory contents are saved to a USB

Table 13.1: Corrected Strokes hb (ft) as a function of Reading, h and batter ∀

9
storage device by selecting Output (twice) Driving inclined piles increases ram friction
and then Save Data. The user can choose and reduces gravity in the axial direction.

8.0
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.3
7.0
6.8
6.5
6.1
5.3
between saving all Piles, Pile by Date, or Pile Table 13.1 lists correct strokes, hb, given a

8
by Name. Press ENTER when the choice is E-SAXIMETER reading h and an inclination
highlighted and follow the prompts as (Also called “rake” or “batter”) angle. A friction

7.0
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.8
6.7
6.7
6.6
6.4
6.1
5.9
5.6
5.3
4.6
directed. angle of 1.1 degrees was assumed but for

7
computation has little effect on the correction.
11. OPEN FILE ON COMPUTER The corrected strokes, hb, can also be taken

Stroke Reading, h, (ft)

6.0
6.0
5.9
5.9
5.9
5.8
5.8
5.7
5.6
5.5
5.2
5.1
4.8
4.5
3.9
from Figure 13.1. The results of Table 13.1

6
Files are saved on the USB storage device as and Figure 13.1 indicate insignificant errors of
a .S01 text file. If the file does not the uncorrected reading for angles less than
automatically open, select a text file type such 1:5 and these corrections can therefore be

5.0
5.0
5.0
4.9
4.9
4.8
4.8
4.8
4.7
4.6
4.4
4.2
4.0
3.8
3.3
5
as WordPad, Notepad, or Microsoft Office ignored. For batters greater than 1:2, the
Word. results are greatly affected by the corrections.
Even after correction, the E-SAXIMETER

4.0
4.0
4.0
3.9
3.9
3.9
3.8
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.2
3.0
2.6
4
12. NEW PILE NAME stroke results contain uncertainty due to the
friction losses.
After the last blow, the E-SAXIMETER waits
one minute and then asks for a new pile name

1:1.75

1:1.25
Batter
Ratio

1:4.5

1:3.5

1:2.5

1:1.5
1:12
1:10
(PN?) which is entered with the alphanumeric

1:8
1:6
1:5

1:4

1:3

1:2

1:1
entry process. Alternatively, the
E-SAXIMETER can be turned off and on to
reset. Power off/on is the only way to change

Batter
Angle

11.3
12.5
14.0
16.0
18.4
21.8
26.6
29.7
33.7
38.7
45.0
hammer type and name, project name, owner

4.8
5.7
7.1
9.5
∀
name and units type; for most projects, these

13 14 15
 The E-SAXIMETER calculates blows per displays are protected from extended
minute to a resolution of 0.1 BPM. The stroke exposure to direct sunlight or heat. The LCD
calculation is based on this resolution even display may darken if too hot or be slow to
though BPM is displayed to a 1 BPM change if too cold. Returning the
resolution in the "open end diesel" mode. E-SAXIMETER to normal temperatures
should allow the display to operate normally.
13.3 The Last Blow
Wipe the E-SAXIMETER surface occasionally
When driving ceases, "S" (stop) is displayed with a damp cloth to clean the surface. Care
after approximately 3 seconds. Depressing should be taken not to scratch or puncture the
AVG even after a stop saves the current LCD window. Keep liquids from entering the
blows (or input the final PEN penetration case at any time.
value to record the last blows into memory). If
the E-SAXIMETER repeatedly "stops" then 16. WARRANTY
either the hammer is not hitting consistently,
(which should be obvious) or the Pile Dynamics, Inc. (PDI) warranties the
E-SAXIMETER trigger level or MAXBPM may E-SAXIMETER for one year. The warranty
need adjusted. does not include batteries, units damaged by
abuse or by repairs made by unqualified
Figure 13.1: Nomogram for Correction of 14. NORMAL OPERATION persons. The customer is responsible for
Stroke Readings on Battered Piles shipping the unit to PDI and the associated
The E-SAXIMETER is versatile; however, cost thereof and all customs charges (if any).
Example: most users monitor BPM and/or stroke for
E-SAXIMETER Stroke Indicator Reading h = consistent hammer operation. By using the
7.5 ft and Batter 1:2 yield Axial Stroke = 6.5 ft average function every unit of distance (foot,
inch, meter, 0.25 m) and recording the blow
13.2 Accuracy count and BPM or stroke, a driving record can
be created. For open end diesel hammers,
E-SAXIMETER stroke equations assume the theoretical potential energy can be
normal (i.e., minimal) ram friction. Of course, calculated from the stroke and ram weight.
extreme friction would reduce the ram velocity The stroke for open end diesels can be used
and the E-SAXIMETER stroke reading would to confirm wave equation assumptions. The
be too high. The E-SAXIMETER operator kinetic energy for hammers equipped with
should check the hammer for signs of proximity switches can be easily determined.
excessive friction. (The ram should appear
moist and well lubricated. Scratches on the 15. MAINTENANCE
piston surface may indicate extreme friction or
foreign matter). There is little maintenance needed. However,
caution must be exercised to insure the

16 17 18