Some common methods your piling contractor may use to install foundations
Posted on: 28 July 2023
A piling contractor is vital for any construction project that involves pile foundations. There are a number of ways in which these foundations can be installed.
Driven
Driven piling consists of pre-cast piles which are made out of the ground in advance. They can be made from concrete, steel or other materials and are then hammered into the ground by a hydraulic pile hammer. As they do not produce any spoil, they are often used in ground that may be contaminated. They are also often used in sites where the water table is high and could interfere with setting concrete.
Bored
A second type is bored piling. Here a hole is bored into the ground by an augur, and the concrete is then poured in to set in situ. The advantage of this method is that it does not create a lot of vibration, so it can be used in built-up areas where there are already buildings nearby.
Screw
Screw piles are usually made of steel and have a spiral ending so that they effectively screw into the ground. This is another method that does not produce a lot of spoil. They are commonly used as they are quick and easy to install and are often much cheaper than other methods. They are also much easier to remove if they are no longer needed.
Micro
As the name implies, micro piles are much smaller than other foundation piles. Because of their size, more of the piles are installed to take the structure's weight. The advantage of using these piles is simply one of space. Some smaller sites do not have room for large piling equipment, and installing foundations would otherwise be impossible. Micro piles allow for the development of small sites.
Sheet
Finally, sheet piling uses interlocking steel sheets that are driven into the ground. They are not designed to take a lot of weight but are instead used to create retaining walls on large construction sites. They can be removed once they have done the job and can be reused on other sites where a lot of excavation work may be taking place.
Conclusion
The above examples are just some of the more common methods of installing pile foundations. The best method will depend upon the exact requirements of your site. Your piling contractor will have the knowledge and experience to determine which is the ideal method, so feel free to talk to them if you have any questions.
Contact a local piling contractor to learn more.
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