A pile is driven to predetermined resistance; what is it called when this resistance is met?

A pile is driven to predetermined resistance; what is it called when this resistance is met?

• A. Refusal
• B. Set
• C. Break
• D. Termination

Answer: (A)

In pile driving, you push the pile until the soil resistance matches the design value. When that resistance is reached, the pile is said to have refused, and driving stops because the hammer can’t push it further under the given energy. This term specifically describes hitting the limit of advance due to soil resistance. The other terms don’t fit this situation: set is the depth moved per hammer blow, not the point at which resistance is met; break and termination aren’t the standard way to describe reaching the design resistance.

In pile driving, you push the pile until the soil resistance matches the design value. When that resistance is reached, the pile is said to have refused, and driving stops because the hammer can’t push it further under the given energy. This term specifically describes hitting the limit of advance due to soil resistance. The other terms don’t fit this situation: set is the depth moved per hammer blow, not the point at which resistance is met; break and termination aren’t the standard way to describe reaching the design resistance.