The vibration hammer (vibratory pile driver) uses rotating unbalanced masses to generate high-frequency oscillations that vibrate sheet piles, steel profiles, and piles into the ground or extract them again. Unlike the impact hammer (drop hammer), the vibration hammer does not produce individual blows but continuous vibration — significantly quieter and with lower ground vibration.
Vibration frequency typically ranges from 25–40 Hz, with high-frequency vibrators reaching 38–45 Hz. Higher frequencies reduce ground vibration transmission to neighboring structures — critical in urban centers. Centrifugal force (static moment × frequency²) determines the driving force and ranges from 200 kN for small vibrators to over 4,000 kN for large equipment.
PTC, Müller, ABI, and ICE are leading vibration hammer manufacturers. Modern vibration hammers feature frequency-controlled drives that bypass resonance frequencies during acceleration and deceleration (resonance protection) — critical because the resonance frequency of buildings (5–15 Hz) is traversed during slow startup and can cause damage.