Clamp Systems and Methods for Pile Drivers and Extractors

Abstract

A clamp member for use in securing a vibratory device to a pile comprises a structural portion and a surface layer. The structural portion defines peaks and valleys. The surface layer is formed on the structural portion and defines an engaging surface. The surface layer defining a thickness dimension of at least approximately 0.0025 inches and a grit of at least approximately 180 Emery.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A clamp assembly for use in securing a vibratory device that generates vibratory forces to a pile comprising:
 first and second clamp members, where each of the clamp members comprises a structural portion defining peaks and valleys;   a surface layer is formed on each of the structural portions, where the surface layer defines an engaging surface, the surface layer defining   a thickness dimension of at least 0.0025 inches; and   a grit of at least 180; and   a hydraulic actuator for displacing the second clamp member relative to the first clamp member such that the engaging surfaces of the first and clamp members engage the pile to transmit at least the vibratory forces generated by the vibratory device to the pile.   
     
     
         2 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 1 , in which the surface layer is formed of carbide alloy material. 
     
     
         3 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 1 , in which the surface layer defines a thickness dimension of substantially between 0.0025 inches and 0.017 inches. 
     
     
         4 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 1 , in which the surface layer defines a thickness dimension of substantially between 0.006 inches and 0.017 inches. 
     
     
         5 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 2 , in which the surface layer defines a thickness dimension of substantially between 0.0025 inches and 0.017 inches. 
     
     
         6 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 2 , in which the surface layer defines a thickness dimension of substantially between 0.006 inches and 0.017 inches. 
     
     
         7 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 1 , in which the surface layer defines a grit of substantially between 180 and 36. 
     
     
         8 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 1 , in which the surface layer defines a grit of substantially between 100 and 36. 
     
     
         9 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 2 , in which the surface layer defines a grit of substantially between 180 and 36. 
     
     
         10 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 2 , in which the surface layer defines a grit of substantially between 100 and 36. 
     
     
         11 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 1 , in which the surface layer comprises at least one coating layer of coating material. 
     
     
         12 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 11 , in which the surface layer comprises a plurality of coating layers of coating material. 
     
     
         13 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 2 , in which the surface layer is formed by at least one coating layer of coating material. 
     
     
         14 . A clamp assembly as recited in  claim 13 , in which the surface layer is formed by a plurality of coating layers of coating material.