Pile weight & hammer size calculator

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

Clear inputs.
Traceable results.

Geometric weight = cross-sectional area × length × density. Pipe area = π × (OD² − ID²) / 4; ID = OD − 2 × wall. Timber uses a conical-frustum volume. Regular octagons use 2 × (√2 − 1) × across-flats². Published sections use nominal weight per unit length.

Default densities: steel 7,850 kg/m³, concrete 2,400 kg/m³, timber 600 kg/m³. These are editable estimating assumptions, not certified product weights. Uniform dimensions are assumed except for tapered timber. Coatings, water, soil plugs, damage, mill tolerances and hardware are excluded. Reinforcement is not modeled separately.

Diesel preferred range: steel uses ram ≥ 25% of one pile; precast concrete and concrete-filled steel pipe use ram ≥ 33⅓%. The preferred upper limit is 70%. The smallest qualifying model from each brand is shown. If neither brand qualifies, the model nearest to the preferred ram-weight band is shown as an outside-range review option—not a suitability recommendation. Timber and custom/weight-only pile types have no assigned diesel rule.

Vibratory double amplitude (peak-to-peak, inches) = 2 × eccentric moment (in-lb) ÷ [one driven pile/assembly weight + vibrating hammer weight + attachment weight (lb)]. The workbook screening bands are green ≥ 0.200 in (5.08 mm), yellow ≥ 0.125 and < 0.200 in (3.175–5.08 mm), red < 0.125 in. Thresholds use unrounded results. This preliminary method assumes SPT N < 40; unknown or harder ground requires separate review.

Published vibrating weight takes priority. Where bare and non-vibrating weights are published, their difference is used. Otherwise, vibrating weight is estimated as 50% of documented hammer weight without clamps. Configured suspended weights are not silently substituted. Models lacking a verified weight remain visible but unscored. Standard HPSI 300/500 manual weights are used, not XL weights.

Attachment assumptions: 18–60 in steel pipe uses two 1,475 lb model 200 caisson clamps and a 1,500 lb, 8 ft beam (4,450 lb total). Sheet piles use a 2,100 lb sheet clamp; H-piles provisionally use that same weight. Concrete and timber use 9,000 lb. Other setups require an entered weight. These common weights are calculation assumptions across models, not evidence that a clamp or beam fits a particular hammer. PACO must verify the actual assembly, hydraulic supply, clamp force, pile stresses and ground conditions.

A weight ratio alone does not establish suitability, pile capacity or drivability. Final selection requires review of soil, pile stresses, energy transfer and drivability by the project engineer, with wave-equation analysis where required. See FHWA pile-driving analysis guidance ↗. Maximum published energy is not guaranteed delivered energy.

Section references: Nucor Skyline 2026 Technical Product Manual ↗ (HP dimensions p. 33), and ArcelorMittal sheet-pile technical tables ↗. Exact section sources are linked beside the selector. Sheet presets use published single-sheet kg/m as a fixed base; HP presets use published lb/ft. Unit changes convert that same base rather than switching to independently rounded values. Single/double multiplies sheet weight and coverage; quantity counts driven assemblies. Selected verified presets are not a complete worldwide catalog or an availability promise.

References checked September 21, 2026. US gallons are used throughout (not Imperial gallons). Converted inputs and results are rounded for display; calculations retain full precision. For final procurement, handling or engineering decisions, verify the project data and applicable manufacturer information.