BETTERTON — It’s hot, hard work, but B & B Pile Driving Company got the job done, replacing 53 piling in the Sassafras river at Betterton Beach. And now those operating from the dock can be assured of their safety.
For as long as he could remember, Robert Bramble II has been doing these kind of jobs in Eastern Shore waters.
It’s a family business, sharing the trade with his father and uncle, which requires skill, expertise and courage, since the water’s unpredictable, especially working with heavy equipment like excavators or a 3,500 lb. hammer.
Bramble’s wife Cristal explained, most of the jobs they do in Kent and Cecil County they do with the excavator on a push barge, connected with forks to a small engine boat, maneuvering through the water.
This is the method employed at Betterton Beach for the Rigby Bluff Condominium Association.
In the midday sun, with a rising heat wave, Bramble’s crew replaced the damaged pilings, taking him five days.
Cristal said there were more damaged pilings than previously thought.
Using observations that come from a lifetime of experience, Bramble discovered many cracked pilings. Cristal explained that when you put pilings in, it’s half in and half out, so at least 25 feet should be buried.
When they are leaning, most likely they are cracked, she added.
And Bramble pointed out no job is the same since the surface varies. Some surfaces are more sandy, or rocky, or like in parts up the river, there’s mud.
Also there’s the turbulence of the work. Waves are always pushing and pulling the boat and barge, which can lead to a highly dangerous situation. Workers could go overboard if not careful. The push barge with the excavator could tip, especially during the recreational months when people zoom by with speed boats and no consideration for the intricacy of their work.
When the waves are too rough, they have no choice but to come to a complete stop and wait for waves to subside before going back to work.”Our guys get frustrated,” Cristal said. “Summertime is not fun.”
Dangerous, but in 41 years in the business, Bramble’s had no incidents...knock on piling wood.
And they stay busy all year round. After the Betterton job was completed at the end of June they were bound for Cecil County.
Bramble also keeps busy fielding questions from curious bystanders too who often stop and ask questions.
His wife of 26 years understands that fully, knowing the business in and out.
“What they do is pretty amazing,” she said.
For a complete list of services they offer, visit www.bbpiledriving.com
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