E-SAXIMETER (E-SAX)

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 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 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.