Timber pile connector

Abstract

A timber pile connector for splicing an upper and lower timber pile. Subsequent to driving the lower pile substantially into the ground, the connector is embedded into the exposed face of the lower pile. The upper pile is then coaxially aligned with the lower pile and the embedded connector and driven into the ground. Concurrent with the pile driving process, the connector is embedded into the upper pile. The timber pile connector utilizes a penetration-limiting member to limit the depth of penetration of the connector into the upper and lower timber piles.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to piling and pile driving and more particularly to connectors for splicing timber pile sections so as to prevent lateral movement of adjoining pile sections and to evenly transfer pile load during the pile driving process.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTimber piles are often used for transferring load between a building and the underlying earth when soil load bearing pressures are low or unsuitable for building purposes. Because the timber piles are constructed from trees, the length of a particular timber pile is necessarily limited by the height of the tree from which it is constructed. Typically, when timber piles are needed to transfer loads, the length of piling required is far greater than the length of a single timber pile. Therefore, timber piles must be connected together or spliced in order to achieve a desired pile length.A "Pile Splicer" is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,206 issued to Robert Moore, et al. In ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

It is an object of the invention to provide a splicing element for timber piles that prevents lateral misalignment of the timber piles and effectively transfers load equally and evenly.

It is another object of the invention to provide a splicing element for timber piles suitable for complete pre-fabrication and requiring a minimal time period for field erection.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a splicing element for timber piles that is simple, straightforward, easy to use, easy to field erect, and easy to duplicate.

Problems solved by technology

Because the timber piles are constructed from trees, the length of a particular timber pile is necessarily limited by the height of the tree from which it is constructed.

The prior art devices fail to provide a suitable means for effective transfer of load between two timber piles in a manner which is simple, straightforward, easy to use, easy to field erect, and easy to duplicate.