E-Saximeter (E-SAX)

Handheld instrument registering relevant pile driving parameters, calculating stroke for open end diesel hammer or hammer blows per minute (BPM), for an accurate pile driving log.

  • Counts hammer blows, and equivalent blows per minute for all hammer types; calculates stroke height for diesel hammers
  • Provides a drive log of blow count as a function of depth
  • Results are downloaded from the E-SAX to your computer
  • Optional accessories allow for impact velocity measurements to compute kinetic energy and depth measurements
  • Newest model of Saximeter now available: SAX-Q
Categories: Driven Piles

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  • Description
  • Technical Specifications
  • Reference Materials
  • Downloads

The E-Saximeter registers all relevant pile driving parameters. It calculates the hammer operating rate in blows per minute and helps the piling inspector create a pile driving log. For single acting, open-end diesel hammers the E-Sax also displays the hammer potential energy and ram stroke. This measurement is important since excessive stroke can cause pile damage.

The E-Sax is a handheld instrument. In its basic configuration, the pile inspector observes the driving process and pushes a button for every depth increment as driving progresses. Several accessories further enhance the functionality of this time-tested sound recognition device including:

  • Proximity switches installed on the driving hammer and a wireless transmission system (transmitter attached to the driving hammer and E-Sax internal transceiver) enable the E-Saximeter to compute the hammer kinetic energy. Kinetic energy may be input to the GRLWEAP pile driving simulation software to fine-tune the driving criteria.
  • A depth measurement reel with wireless transmission capabilities eliminates the need for manual depth increment input, automating the entire creation of the driving log.

The Saximeter-Q is the latest addition to the saximeter family with new features like automatic driving logs, hammer database, and customized reports.

“Energy monitoring was specified in the (Woodrow Wilson Bridge) contract Special Provisions. The main benefit of the monitoring is for the Virginia Department of Transportation to have more accurate driving logs than are typically created by hand. When correlated with the PDA results, it allows driving criteria to be in terms of hammer energy instead of blows per foot at a certain stroke.”

– Ryan G. Gorman, P.E., Project Manager, Corman Construction, Inc.

 

(Note: PDA is the Pile Driving Analyzer® – the E-Sax can assess hammer potential and kinetic energy, while the PDA calculates the energy actually transferred to the pile)

ESAX Technical Specifications

12-001

PDF Format

Main Unit

Size: 100 x 190 x 50 mm (3.93 x 7.48 x 1.96 in)
Weight: 0.54 kg (1.19 lbs.)
Temperature range: operating 10° to 40°C (50° to 104°F); storage -10 to 65°C (14° to 149°F)
Power: Built-in rechargeable battery with 16-hour minimum duration
Display: LCD, 4 lines x 16 characters, viewing area 62 x 26 mm (2.44 x 1.02 in)
Keypad: Large Key 1.27 mm² (.0019 in²), non-tactile

Electronic

32-bit CICS Micro CPU up to 50MHz
10-bit 2 channel analog to digital converter; 8-bit 2 channel digital to analog converter
Internal microphone 70 to 115 dB
Standard Type A USB drive for data transfer
8 MB internal Magnetoresitive RAM

Functional and Other

Maximum blow detection rate: 68 bpm for open end diesel hammers; 300 bpm for all others
Operating units: English or SI
Full one-year warranty
Technical manual provided in PDF form on a USB drive

Optional Depth Measurement Unit

Installation: mounts on crane, cable attaches to hammer
Size: 305 x 910 x 910 mm (12 x 35.8 x 35.8 in)
Weight: 73 kg (160 lbs.)
Resolution: 0.6 mm (.023 in)
Max range: 49 m (160 ft)