AU2017202042B2

AU2017202042B2 - Piling system

Info

Publication number: AU2017202042B2
Application number: AU2017202042A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Leslie EGGERS; Roy Keith MEDLICOTT
Original assignee: Goldpine Industries Ltd
Current assignee: GOLDPINE INDUSTRIES Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-28
Filing date: 2017-03-28
Publication date: 2018-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-28
Also published as: AU2017202042A1; AU2013350818B2; AU2013350818A1; WO2014083521A1

Abstract

Abstract A pile driving point comprising a substantially conical nose; and a base for attaching the nose to the end of a pile, the base comprising a substantially flat portion adapted to extend across the end of the pile and two or more arms or arm portions, each of the arms or arm portions extending generally in an axial direction away from the substantially flat portion or being deformable to extend in the axial direction. A method of driving a pile into the earth is also provided. A pile including a pile driving point, first and second pile, and a pile connector is also provided, the connector comprising a body locatable between an end of a first pile and an end of an adjacent second pile; and a plurality of arms or arm portions, a first plurality of the arms or arm portions extending generally in a first axial direction away from the body or being deformable to extend in the first axial direction, the first plurality of arms or arm portions being fastenable to one or more outer side surfaces of the first pile, and a second plurality of the arms or arm portions extending generally in a second opposite axial direction away from the body or being deformable to extend in the second axial direction, the second plurality of arms or arm portions being fastenable to one or more outer side surfaces of the second pile.

Description

PILE DRIVING POINT

FIELD

This disclosure relates to pile connectors for connecting piles end-to-end. This disclosure also relates to a pile driving point.

BACKGROUND

Currently poles are used commonly for piling as foundations for buildings and for stabilising land. The length of the piles required depends on the type of soil and the distance from the top surface of earth to a suitable bearing layer. That distance is variable. Conventionally, the earth is tested to determine the approximate depth of the various layers of earth. That information is used to determine the length of poles required. Individual poles of that determined length are then used. If any poles are found to be too short for the depth required, then different poles of the newly required length are used. This often leads to pole length requirements changing for a piling job or even pole length requirements changing for individual poles within the same piling job.

Pole suppliers need to have a large variety of pole lengths available. The poles also need to be close to where they are being used because the specifications of poles required can change for any given job or even during a job. Further, at some construction sites, the distance between the surface of the earth and to a suitable bearing layer can be deeper than most existing pole lengths. For example, the required piling depths that need to be achieved can be about 16 to 20 metres. If the poles are timber, the ability to source enough logs with the specifications required is limited. In addition, it is difficult to transport long poles great distances due to winding roads and traffic management issues.

Standard practice is for poles to have a flat base without a point and for the piling contractor to drive the poles into the ground by essentially dropping a heavy weight onto the pole many times per pole to slowly drive it into the ground. One of the reasons poles are not pointed by the manufacturer is that poles are often used for a multitude of end uses and by pre-pointing poles the manufacturer would be limiting the end use of those poles and therefore limiting the number of customers that could purchase those particular poles.

If poles were physically pointed like fence posts, the pointing would have to occur prior to treating and require specialist equipment to undertake the task.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a device for joining piles that can be used during a piling job at a construction site and/or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are described herein and in Australian specifications 2013350818, from which the present specification is divided. Reference may be made in the description to subject matter which is not in the scope of the appended claims but relates to subject matter claimed in the parent specification. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist putting into practice the invention as defined in the appended claims.

In accordance with a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a pile connector for connecting an end of a first pile to an end of an adjacent second pile, the pile connector comprising: a body locatable between an end of a first pile and an end of an adjacent second pile; and a plurality of arms, a first plurality of the arms extending generally in a first axial direction away from the body or being deformable to extend in the first axial direction, the first plurality of arms being fastenable to one or more outer side surfaces of the first pile, and a second plurality of the arms extending generally in a second opposite axial direction away from the body or being deformable to extend in the second axial direction, the second plurality of arms being fastenable to one or more outer surfaces of the second pile.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term 'comprising', other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

In an embodiment, when the first plurality of arms are deformable, the first plurality of arms initially extend in a direction generally aligned with a plane of the body and the first plurality of arms are deformable to extend in the first axial direction away from the body and, when the second plurality of arms are deformable, the second plurality of arms initially extend in a direction generally aligned with the plane of the body and the second plurality of arms are deformable to extend in the second opposite axial direction.

In an embodiment, the first plurality of arms comprises the same number of arms as the number of arms of the second plurality of arms. In an alternative embodiment, the first plurality of arms comprises a different number of arms to the number of arms of the second plurality of arms.

In an embodiment, the base comprises an aperture for receiving the nose cone.

In an embodiment, the base, including the substantially flat portion and the arms or arm portions, is a substantially flat component.

In an embodiment, the arms or arm portions are substantially evenly spaced around the perimeter of the substantially flat portion.

In an embodiment, the substantially flat portion is substantially circular, when viewed in plan view.

In an embodiment, the arms alternate between extending in the first direction and the second direction.

In an embodiment, the body is substantially circular, when viewed in plan view.

In an embodiment, each of the arms has an aperture for receiving a fastener for fastening the arm to the respective pile. The relative positions of the apertures are preferably staggered such that the fasteners do not extend in the same plane when the arms are fastened to the pile. The length of each arm may be different to the length of an adjacent arm to accommodate the relative position of the apertures.

In an embodiment, the arms are integrally formed with the body.

In an embodiment, the connector comprises stainless steel. In an alternative embodiment, the connector comprises galvanised coated steel.

In accordance with a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a combination of a first pile, a second pile and a pile connector of the first aspect.

In an embodiment, the first plurality of arms is fastened to the first pile and the second plurality of arms is fastened to the second pile.

In an embodiment, the first pile has a length of about 7 m to about 14 m and the second pile has a length of about 7 m to about 14 m.

In an embodiment, the piles have a generally circular cross-section.

In accordance with a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for joining piles comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first pile and a second pile; (b) providing a pile connector of the first aspect; (c) driving the first pile into the earth until at least a substantial portion of the pile is driven into the earth; (d) fastening the first plurality of arms to one or more outer side surfaces of the first pile; (e) placing the second pile on the pile connector; (f) fastening the second plurality of arms to the outer surface of the second pile; and (g) driving the second pile into the earth.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises deforming the first plurality of the arms to extend generally in a first axial direction away from the body before step (d). The step of deforming the plurality of arms may comprise hammering the arms into a position in which they generally extend in the first axial direction. Alternatively, step of deforming the arms may comprise using a bending tool.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises fastening the body of the pile connector to the first pile before step (d).

In an embodiment, step (c) comprises inserting a fastener through the body of the connector and into the first pile.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises deforming the second plurality of the arms to extend generally in a second opposite axial direction away from the body before step (f).

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pile driving point comprising: a substantially conical nose; and a base for attaching the nose to the end of a pile, the base comprising a substantially flat portion adapted to extend across the end of the pile and two or more arms or arm portions, each of the arms or arm portions being deformable to extend an the axial direction away from the substantially flat portion.

In an embodiment, the arms or arm portions initially extend in a direction generally aligned with a plane of the substantially flat portion and the arms or arm portions are deformable to extend in the axial direction away from the substantially flat portion.

In an embodiment, the arms or arm portions initially extend radially from the substantially flat portion.

In an embodiment, the base comprises an aperture for receiving the nose cone.

In an embodiment, the arms or arm portions initially extend radially from the body.

In an embodiment, the body is substantially circular, when viewed in plan view.

In an embodiment, each of the arms or arm portions has an aperture for receiving a fastener for fastening the arm to the pile. The relative positions of the apertures are preferably staggered such that the fasteners do not extend in the same plane. The length of each arm or arm portion may be different to the length of an adjacent arm or arm portion to accommodate the relative position of the apertures.

In an embodiment, the arms or arm portions are integrally formed with the substantially flat portion.

In an embodiment, the nose is deformable.

In an embodiment, the base and/or nose comprise stainless steel. In an alternative embodiment, the base and/or comprises galvanised coated steel. In another alternative embodiment, the base and/or comprises a polymeric material.

In an embodiment, the nose is a solid component. In an alternative embodiment, the nose is a substantially hollow component. The nose may have reinforcing ribs.

In an embodiment, the nose further comprises an attachment flange.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of a pile and a pile driving point of the first aspect of the invention.

In an embodiment, the arms or arm portions are fastened to the pile.

In an embodiment, the pile has a length of about 7 m to about 14 m.

In an embodiment, the pile has a generally circular cross-section.

In an embodiment, the pile is a first pile and the combination further comprises a second pile and a pile connector for connecting an end of the first pile to an end of the adjacent second pile, the pile connector comprising: a body locatable between an end of a first pile and an end of an adjacent second pile; and a plurality of arms or arm portions, a first plurality of the arms or arm portions extending generally in a first axial direction away from the body or being deformable to extend in the first axial direction, the first plurality of arms or arm portions being fastenable to one or more outer side surfaces of the first pile, and a second plurality of the arms or arm portions extending generally in a second opposite axial direction away from the body or being deformable to extend in the second axial direction, the second plurality of arms or arm portions being fastenable to one or more outer side surfaces of the second pile.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of driving a pile into the earth comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pile; (b) providing a pile driving point of the first aspect of the invention; (c) fastening the pile driving point to the pile; and (d) driving the pile into the earth until at least a substantial portion of the pile is driven into the earth.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises deforming the arms or arm portions to extend generally in an axial direction away from the body before step (c). The step of deforming the arms or arm portions may comprise by hammering the arms or arm portions into a position in which they generally extend in the first axial direction. Alternatively, the step of deforming the arms or arm portions may comprise using a bending tool.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

As used herein the term "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or where the context allows both.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment pile connector in an in-use configuration;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the first preferred embodiment pile connector before the arms have been deformed into the position shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment pile connector of Figure 1 assembled with a first pile and a second pile;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment pile connector being assembled with a first pile;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment pile connector being assembled with a first pile and a second pile;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment pile connector assembled with a first pile;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment pile driving point attached to a pile;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the pile driving point of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the base of the pile driving point of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is plan view of a the base of a second embodiment pile driving point; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the cone of the second embodiment pile driving point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to figures 1 to 3, a first preferred embodiment of the pile connector is shown, indicated generally be reference numeral 1. The pile connector 1 connects an end of a first pile 100 to an end of an adjacent second pile 200.

The pile connector 1 has a body 3 and a plurality of arms 5. The arms 5 are integrally formed with the body 3. The body 3 is locatable between an end 101 of a first pile 100 and an end 201 of the adjacent second pile 200. A first plurality of the arms 5a extends generally in a first axial direction A away from the body. A second plurality of the arms 5b extends generally in a second opposite axial direction A' away from the body. When combined with first and second piles, the first plurality of arms 5a is fastened to the first pile 100 and the second plurality of arms 5b is fastened to the second pile 200. In the embodiment shown, the arms 5a, 5b alternate between extending in the first direction and the second direction.

With reference to Figure 2, the pile connector 1 is manufactured as a substantially flat component with the arms 5 initially extending radially from the body 3. The arms 5a, 5b are deformable to extend in the first and second directions. In the embodiment shown, the arms 5 extend in a direction generally aligned with a plane of the body. The arms 5 are substantially evenly spaced around the perimeter of the body 3.

With reference to Figure 2, the body 3 is substantially circular, when viewed in plan view. The body 3 and arms 5 are shaped and dimensioned to be suitable for use with a variety of differently sized piles. The piles 100, 200 have a generally circular cross-section. The body 3 of the connector has a corresponding circular crosssection.

If the pile has a horizontal cross-section that is larger than the body of the connector, the arms 5 may be bent at an appropriate position along their length, rather than at a position close to the body. Figure 3 shows the second plurality of arms 5b being bent closer to the body 3 than the first plurality of arms 5a because the second pile 200 has a tapered end with a smaller diameter than the untapered, adjacent end of the first pile 100. In an embodiment, a portion of the outer side surface of the second pile 200 is tapered towards the end of the side pile. In a preferred embodiment, the taper is about 6 mm/m.

Each of the arms has an aperture 6 for receiving a fastener (not shown) for fastening the arm to the respective pile 100, 200. The relative positions of the apertures 6 are preferably staggered such that the fasteners do not extend in the same plane when the connector 1 is attached to the pile. The length of each arm 5a, 5b may be different to the length of an adjacent arm to accommodate the relative position of the apertures.

The connector 1 may comprise a metallic material such as stainless steel or galvanised coated steel. Alternatively, the connector may comprise a suitable polymeric component.

In a preferred embodiment, the material is GR 250/300 galvanised plate four with CCA treated piles or 316 stainless steel when the piles are treated with Copper Azole (CuAz) or alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ). The joiners are 316 stainless when used with CuAz or ACQ because the corrosion rate of CuAz or ACQ piles is four to nine times that of the CCA piles with galvanized steel.

The table below lists the dimensions of various versions of the connector. The dimensions relate to three joining systems that suitable for pile diameters with various small end diameters (SED). They are 250 mm SED, 300 mm SED, and 350 mm SED. It will be appreciated that the connector may be used with various other diameters, such as 200 mm or 450 mm. 0 250 0 3000 350

Plate Thickness 5 55 (mm)

Number of Fingers 12 1216

Finger Width (mm) 50 6055

Centre Diameter 235 285335 (mm)

Overall Diameter 830 880970 (mm)

Mass (kg) 8.69 10.9313.74

No of fasteners 24 2432

With reference to figures 4 to 6, a method for joining piles using the first embodiment of the pile connector will now be described. The first pile 100 is driven into the earth until at least a substantial portion of the pile is driven into the earth. The body 3 of the pile connector 1 is fastened to the first pile. In particular, a fastener is inserted through the body 3 of the connector 1 and into the first pile 100. The first plurality of arms 5a are preferably deformed by hammering the arms into a position in which they generally extend in the first axial direction A. Alternatively, the arms may be deformed using a bending tool (mandrel and jig).

The arms may be deformed offsite using the mandrel and jig to decrease the assembly time on site. The first plurality of arms 5a is fastened to one or more outer side surfaces of the first pile 100, as shown in figure 6.

The second pile 200 is placed on the pile connector 1. The second plurality of arms 5b is preferably deformed by hammering the arms into a position in which they generally extend in the second axial direction A'. Alternatively, the arms may be deformed using a bending tool (mandrel and jig). As mentioned above, the arms may be deformed offsite using the mandrel and jig to decrease the assembly time on site. The second plurality of arms 5b is fastened to the outer surface of the second pile 200. Finally, the second pile 200 is driven into the earth until at least a substantial portion of the pile is driven into the earth.

Prototype testing of the pile connectors was undertaken on a site in Christchurch, New Zealand. The testing verified that the connectors meet the requirements for pile connectors within the boundaries of the geotechnical and structural requirements for Technical Category 3 (TC3) ground in Canterbury. TC3 ground is ground in which moderate to significant land damage from liquefaction is possible in future large earthquakes. Site-specific geotechnical investigation and specific engineering foundation design is required.

The test involved installing the connectors and driving the piles to refusal. The piles were then deflected horizontally using a digger boom for a displacement of 300 mm in two directions. The test showed no failures in the connectors and the piles failed by snapping, while the joiners remained intact.

With reference to figures 7 to 9, a preferred embodiment pile driving point is shown, indicated generally by reference number 21. The point has a substantially conical nose 23 and a base 25 for attaching the nose to the end of a pile 100.

The base 25 has a body 27 with an annular boss 28 for engaging with a recess 29 in the nose 23. The boss and recess are connected by a press-fit. The base 25 has a plurality of arms 31 extending generally in an axial direction A away from the body 27. In the preferred embodiment, the arms 31 are deformable to extend in the axial direction. In an embodiment, the arms initially extend in a direction generally aligned with a plane of the body and the arms 31 are deformable to extend in the axial direction away from the body 27.

The base 25 is an initially substantially flat component with the arms 31 extending radially from the body. The arms 31 are integrally formed with the body 27 and are substantially evenly spaced around the perimeter of the body. The body 27 is substantially circular, when viewed in plan view.

Each of the arms has an aperture 33 for receiving a fastener for fastening the arm to the pile. The fasteners are preferably coach screws (not shown).

In an embodiment, the nose 23 is deformable. That is, once the end bearing stratum is reached during driving of the pile 100 into the earth, then the nose 23 can deform or collapse. The structure and material of the nose will be chosen or designed so that the nose will not deform in softer soil.

The base and/or nose may comprise a suitable metallic material such as stainless steel, an Aluminium alloy, or galvanised coated steel. Alternatively, the base and/or nose may comprise a polymeric material or wood.

The table below lists the dimensions of a preferred embodiment nose cone for use with a 350 mm SED pile.

Plate Thickness (mm)3

Number of Fingers6

Finger Width (mm)45

Centre Diameter (mm)235 O'all Diameter (mm)644

Connection Stub 40NBPipe

Mass (kg) 2.442.44

Coach Screws MIOxlOO(x6)

In an alternative embodiment shown in figures 10 and 11, the nose 23 further comprises an attachment flange 35 extending around the outer circumference of the widest part of the cone. In this alternative embodiment, the base has a corresponding flange 37 surrounding an aperture 39. The nose 23 is inserted through the aperture 39 such that the two flanges 35, 37 are adjacent each other with the base supporting the cone between the end of the pile and the base.

In an alternative of this embodiment, the cone may have recessed mounting holes set within the perimeter rather than an attachment flange. In this alternative, the nose cone may be equal or larger than the pole diameter itself.

By providing a pile driving point having a separate base component, the pile driving point can be used with a variety of different pile diameters. The arms may be bent at different locations along their length to accommodate the diameter of the pile. Further, it is possible for the base to be manufactured from a different material to the point. For example, the base may comprise a metallic material such as steel or an aluminium alloy, which may be cut out of sheet material. The nose may comprise a polymeric material that may be a moulded polymeric material, a cast metallic material such as a cast aluminium alloy, or turned out of wood. A method for using the first embodiment of the pile driving point will now be described. The base is placed on the end of the pile 100. The arms are deformed using a hammer to extend generally in an axial direction away from the body. Alternatively, the arms may be deformed using a bending tool (mandrel and jig). The arms are fastened to the pile using coach screws. The cone is attached to the base so that the boss of the base is press-fitted into the aperture of the cone. A method for using the second embodiment of the pile driving point will now be described. The nose 23 is inserted through the aperture 39 of the base such that the two flanges 35, 37 are adjacent each other with the base supporting the cone. The base is placed on the end of the pile 100. The arms are deformed using a hammer to extend generally in an axial direction away from the body. Alternatively, the arms may be deformed using a bending tool. The arms are fastened to the pile using coach screws.

Either of the first or second embodiments of the pile driving point may be used with any one of the pile connectors described above.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the first embodiment has been described as an initially flat component in which the arms are deformable such that they can be bent to extend in the first direction away from the body and the second plurality of arms are deformable to extend in the second generally opposite direction. Alternatively, the connector may be formed in the required shape with the arms extending in the first and second directions. For example, the connector may be a cast or moulded component.

Additionally, the base of the pile driving point has been described as an initially flat component in which the arms are deformable such that they can be bent to extend in an axial direction. In an alternative embodiment, the connector may be formed in the required shape with the arms extending in the first and second directions. For example, the base may be a cast or moulded component.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A pile driving point comprising: a substantially conical nose; and a base for attaching the nose to the end of a pile, the base comprising a substantially flat portion adapted to extend across the end of the pile and two or more arms or arm portions, each of the arms or arm portions being deformable to extend in an axial direction away from the substantially flat portion.

2. A pile driving point according to claim 1, wherein the arms or arm portions initially extend in a direction generally aligned with a plane of the substantially flat portion and the arms or arm portions are deformable to extend in the axial direction away from the substantially flat portion.

3. A pile driving point according to claim 2, wherein the arms or arm portions initially extend radially from the substantially flat portion.

4. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base comprises an aperture for receiving the nose cone.

5. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base, including the substantially flat portion and the arms or arm potions, is a substantially flat component.

6. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the arms or arm portions are substantially evenly spaced around the perimeter of the substantially flat portion.

7. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the substantially flat portion is substantially circular, when viewed in plan view.

8. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the arms or arm portions has an aperture for receiving a fastener for fastening the arm or arm portion to the pile.

9. A pile driving point according to claim 8, wherein the relative positions of the apertures are staggered such that the fasteners do not extend in the same plane.

10. A pile driving point according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the length of each arm or arm portion is different to the length of an adjacent arm or arm portion to accommodate the relative position of the apertures.

11. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the arms or arm portions are integrally formed with the substantially flat portion.

12. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the nose is deformable.

13. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the nose is a solid component.

14. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the nose is a substantially hollow component.

15. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the nose further comprises reinforcing ribs.

16. A pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the nose further comprises an attachment flange.

17. A combination of a pile and the pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A combination according to claim 17, wherein the base is fastened to the pile.

19. A combination according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the pile has a length of about 7 m to about 14 m.

20. A combination according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the pile has a generally circular cross-section.

21. A combination according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the pile is a first pile and the combination further comprises a second pile and a pile connector for connecting an end of the first pile to an end of the adjacent second pile, the pile connector comprising: a body locatable between an end of a first pile and an end of an adjacent second pile; and a plurality of arms or arm portions, a first plurality of the arms or arm portions extending generally in a first axial direction away from the body or being deformable to extend in the first axial direction, the first plurality of arms or arm portions being fastenable to one or more outer side surfaces of the first pile, and a second plurality of the arms or arm portions extending generally in a second opposite axial direction away from the body or being deformable to extend in the second axial direction, the second plurality of arms or arm portions being fastenable to one or more outer side surfaces of the second pile.

22. A combination according to claim 21, wherein the second pile has a length of about 7 m to about 14 m.

23. A method of driving a pile into the earth comprising the steps of: a. providing a pile; b. providing a pile driving point according to any one of claims 1 to 16; c. fastening the pile driving point to the pile; and d. driving the pile into the earth until at least a substantial portion of the pile is driven into the earth.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the method further comprises deforming the arms or arm portions of the pile driving point to extend generally in an axial direction away from the substantially flat portion before step (c).

25. A method according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the step of deforming the arms or arm portions comprises hammering the arms or arm portions into a position in which they generally extend in the first axial direction.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the step of deforming the first plurality of arms or arm portions comprises using a bending tool.