Electric air hammer feasibility

Abstract

In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of noise and vibration caused by construction activities. Public awareness of environmental rights has also increased, resulting in growing demands for quieter and less disturbing construction methods. Although the piling phase of a construction project may be relatively short, the noise and vibration effects during this period can be particularly upsetting. In response, Junttan has proposed a novel electric air hammer that drives piles into the ground with less noise using compressed air to drive piles. This hammer, powered by electrical energy instead of fossil fuels, offers, in principle, an environmentally sustainable alternative, reducing carbon emission and further minimizing disturbance of the environment.

This thesis introduces a detailed study of the design and operational principles behind the electric air hammer, focusing on the thermodynamics, crank mechanism analysis and motor selection. The selection of motor as the power source of the hammer was based on a careful analysis of torque behaviour of gas inside the cylinder, ensuring compatibility with the hammer’s operational demands. Finally, an analysis of the piling behaviour was conducted to evaluate performance of the hammer under varying soil resistance conditions, highlighting the hammer’s efficiency. The proposed system has some disadvantages that may lead to rejection of the air hammer.