DEEP FOUNDATIONS
Areas of Expertise
Deep foundations are used to transfer the structural loads to deeper soils with better bearing capacity, beneath the foundation level. They are used when the bearing capacity of the existing soil at the foundation level is insufficient for the structure.
Bored Piles (fore piles)
A bored pile is a deep foundation construction method involving the drilling of a hole into the ground using a piling rig. The diameter of the hole typically ranges from 0.6 to 3.1 meters, depending on structural requirements and soil conditions. As drilling progresses, soil or rock fragments are brought to the surface using drilling fluid or auger tips.
Once the desired depth is reached, a steel reinforcement cage is placed inside the hole, and concrete is poured using the most appropriate technique, after which the temporary casing or drilling fluid is removed. This creates a cylindrical reinforced concrete pile within the drilled hole. The concrete is typically of high strength to carry the loads applied by the structure.
Once the concrete has gained sufficient strength, the pile is ready to support the structure. Bored piles offer several advantages, such as high load-bearing capacities from both frictional resistance and tip resistance, suitability for various soil conditions, and minimal noise and vibration during installation, making them a preferred option for many large-scale construction projects.
Driven Piles
Driven piles are divided into two categories: cast-in- place and precast concrete piles. Cast-in-place driven piles are installed using closed-end casings. Precast driven piles, which are either reinforced concrete or steel, are manufactured at specialized production sites and then driven into the ground. As they are driven into the soil, they push the surrounding material aside without drilling, reaching the designed depth and bearing capacity as specified in the project.
Steel piles are a commonly used type of deep foundation element to support structures in challenging soil conditions or areas with high loads. The process begins with the driving of steel pipes into the ground using hydraulic hammers, vibratory pile drivers, or impact pile drivers.
Steel pipe piles, typically ranging in diameter from 100 mm to 1,600 mm, are driven into the ground until the desired depth is reached or the target resistance is achieved. To enhance the load-bearing capacity and structural integrity of the steel piles, they can be filled with concrete.
Once steel piles are placed at the desired depth and spacing, they provide a solid foundation for the superstructure. Piles can be connected to the superstructure using methods such as welding or bolted connections.
Steel piles offer many advantages, including high load- bearing capacity, compatibility with a wide range of soil types, ease of installation in challenging soil conditions, and the ability to be driven to great depths if required. They are commonly used in the construction of bridges, waterfront structures, industrial facilities, and high-rise buildings.
Mini Piles
Mini piles, also known as micro piles or pin piles, are slender, high-strength deep foundation elements used to transfer the structural loads of buildings and other structures to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers.
These specialized foundation elements are particularly valuable in situations where traditional foundation systems are difficult or insufficient, such as in challenging soil conditions, limited access, or due to space constraints.
Barette Piles
Barrette piles are underground structural elements derived from rectangular shapes produced using diaphragm wall machinery. Free-fall grabs, hydraulic grabs, or hydrofraise (trench cutter/ hydromill) are used depending on the type of soil and construction method.
Barrettes are a construction technique used primarily in large-scale construction projects for ground improvement and structural support. They are reinforced concrete structural elements designed to strengthen foundations and distribute high loads.
