Pneumatic Pipe Ramming

Published: May 19, 2017 | Last updated: July 5, 2023

What Does Pneumatic Pipe Ramming Mean?

Pneumatic pipe ramming is a means of pushing casing or steel pipe into the ground with repeated percussive blows using a ramming tool powered by compressed air. A pneumatic tool uses forced air pressure to accomplish its tasks. Pipe ramming is a horizontal or directional form of pile driving. In pneumatic pipe ramming, pipe or casing can be driven as one continuous run or in sections.

Trenchlesspedia Explains Pneumatic Pipe Ramming

Throughout history, various kinds of power have been employed to drive objects into the ground. The name for this general process is pile driving. In ancient times, animals were used to raise heavy weights to be dropped onto the pile. Later technologies have used steam, diesel and hydraulics. Air hammers are also powered by pneumatic forces.

In pneumatic pipe ramming, the object being hammered must be of material strong enough to withstand the ramming force. The size of the pipe or casing can be anywhere from a few inches to as much as 150 inches (381 cm) in diameter. As the pipe progresses, spoil is removed using compressed air or water.

Share This Term

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Related Reading

Trending Articles

Go back to top