Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a sheet pile (10) into an earth formation using a protective housing (12) releasably connected to the sheet pile (10). The protective housing has a fluid gallery and conduits for releasing fluid such as water onto the base of the sheet pile without jetting water into the earth formation. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for driving vinyl and plastic sheet piles into highly resistant soils.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for non-metallic piles (10) including a pair of lifting devices (26, 28) which grip opposed faces (22, 24) of the pile (10). A sling (36) supported from an overhead crane (44) is connected to the lifting arms or handles (30) of the lifting devices (26, 28) for lifting of the pile (10). The lifting handles (30) are secured to cams 72 which include gripping teeth (76) effective upon lifting of handles (30) to engage the inner face (24) of pile (10) for gripping the pile (10) between backing edge (58) and inner face (24). A modification shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provides a threaded screw (86A) which is received within an opening (89A) in the pile (10) for lifting of the pile (10).

Abstract: A protective housing (12) is provided for a sheet pile (10) and has a length extending beyond the upper end (10A) and lower end (10B) of the sheet pile (10). A separate force transmitting member (26) is mounted on the protective housing (12) and has a horizontal plate (28) engaging the upper end (10A) of the sheet pile (10) for driving the sheet pile (10) downwardly upon exertion of a downward force from a suitable power source (44) to force the protective housing (12) downwardly. To separate protective housing (12) from sheet pile (10) upon driving of the sheet pile (10) to a desired predetermined depth so that protective housing (12) may be withdrawn, a fluid pressure device (50) is mounted between protective housing (12) and the force transmitting member (26). Upon actuation of fluid pressure device (50), protective housing (12) is moved upwardly while sheet pile (10) remains in position thereby to initially break loose the protective housing (12).

Abstract: A pile threading device (14) for threading sheet piles (10, 12) and including a box-type frame or body (20) comprising a plurality of connected frame members. An upper slide (44) is mounted on body (20) for relative sliding movement and has a pair of opposed jaws (54, 56) thereon for clamping or gripping the undriven pile (12) for lifting the threading device (14). A pivoted stop bar (70) on the slide (44) engages a side edge (12C) of the undriven pile (12) when the pile (12) is initially positioned on the slide (44)for accurate positioning of the undriven pile (12) on the slide (44). One of the jaws (56) is held in a predetermined fixed relation by an adjustable nut (66) which is positioned at a predetermined position on externally threaded shaft (60) mounting the jaw (56). Roller frames (29, 30) carry rollers (32) for engaging opposed sides of the driven pile (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a sheet pile (10) into an earth formation utilizing a protective housing (12) releasably connected to the sheet pile (10). The driving force exerted by a vibrator hammer (58) or drop hammer is applied against the protective housing (12) which in turn applies the driving force against the upper end of the sheet pile (10) for driving the sheet pile (10) into the formation. Movable flaps (28, 29) on the lower end of the housing (12) pivot inwardly to engage the lower end of the sheet pile (10) for releasably connecting the protective housing (12) to the sheet pile (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for threading together adjacent steel piles (10, 12) having male and female interlocking edges (10E, 12E). A threading device (14) is removably supported on a separate wheeled frame or dolly (16) mounted for movement along a pair of parallel horizontal beams (18) secured to opposed sides of the driven pile (10). The threading device (14) has a pile supporting slide (36) supporting the undriven pile (12) between a pair of clamping plates (48). The undriven pile (12) together with the slide (36) is moved laterally a predetermined amount upon clearance of the upper end (10C) of the driven pile (10) with the lower end (12F) of the undriven pile (12) by a lever (64) connected to a rope (61) pulled by a workman on the ground.