Wave equation analysis (WEA) is used to simulate the pile driving process. The analysis includes the modeling of the entire system, which consists of models of the hammer, the pile, and the soil into which the pile is driven. WEA analysis uses special software and does not require field engagement.
The aim of the analysis is to optimize the process of pile driving, whereby the result is usually displayed graphically as the number of impacts and stress changes (tensile and compression) versus the depth of pile driving.
Also, the analysis establishes the criterion for bearing capacity and depth of driving, or the required number of impacts necessary to achieve the design load capacity of the pile. The results of the WEA analysis can be subsequently checked by PDA monitoring during the pile installation phase.