Pile driving technology encompasses all methods for installing prefabricated foundation elements into the ground. Classical pile driving methods utilize impact energy (diesel hammers, hydraulic hammers), while modern alternatives operate with vibration (vibratory hammers) or static pressure (press-in methods).
Impact hammers generate the necessary driving energy through falling weights or hydraulic pistons. Impact frequency typically ranges from 40–100 blows per minute. Vibratory hammers, by contrast, use rotating eccentric weights to vibrate the pile into the soil through high-frequency oscillations — significantly quieter and producing less ground vibration than impact hammers.
The press-in method (Silent Piling) is the most environmentally friendly option: hydraulic cylinders silently press the pile into the ground, enabling deployment in urban areas. Leading manufacturers of pile driving equipment include Junttan, ABI, PTC, and Liebherr. The choice of method depends on soil type, pile type, surrounding structures, and emission regulations.