The construction and civil engineering field has come a long way by utilising advanced techniques and technologies. Essex Mini Piling technique is one of the examples of such advancements, as it is the best source of providing an efficient piling foundation where traditional methods fail to fulfil the demands.
Introduction to Piling
Piling, as the name suggests, is the technique used to create deep foundations for buildings and homes to ensure that their structure is sturdy and strong. The general process of piling involves the insertion of large materials into the ground, such as steel cases and concrete. These materials provide the required strength to support large buildings. The buildings could be in at very vulnerable state without having the proper piling foundations underneath.
Types of Piling Available in the Market
Several types of piling are used in the construction of strong foundations for buildings.
CFA Piling:
Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling has been utilised since 1966 in the UK. Its process of construction involves the insertion of a hollow stem auger into the ground, which is then filled with concrete using a concrete pump, and a steel cage is also installed in the bored hole for reinforcement. The average diameter for CFA Piles is around 300mm, with a depth of around 36m.
Bored Piling:
Sectional Flight Auger (SFA) Piling or Bored piling is a type of piling that is constructed in two steps. The first step involves the drilling of a shaft into the ground, and then in the second step, that shaft is filled with concrete or grout to create a stable and strong foundation. It is mostly used in areas where the ground is unstable, or there is low headroom, or low vibration is required.
Mini Piling:
Mini piling is the process where small-diameter piles are constructed to provide support to large buildings. The installation process involves the construction of mini piles using concrete or steel, depending on the ground conditions, and then augering or drilling them into the ground using advanced machinery.
They have an average diameter of 150mm to 300mm and are used when the location has restricted access or a small space, especially inside spaces. They are also used to provide additional support or stability to already existing buildings.
SCD Piling:
Steel Cased Drive (SCD) Piling are bottom-driven piles which utilise the drop hammer or viberating mole for its installation. It is great for grounds where water tables are high. The process involves the drilling of steel casings into the ground and then filling it up with concrete. The steel casing will provide protection against water damage. The average depth is calculated to be around 2m to 6m.
Steps Involved in Mini Piling Installation
The steps involved in the construction of mini piles depend on the chosen method and ground conditions at the required location, but some of the common steps involved in the construction of mini piles include:
Step 1: The first step is getting in touch with the professional mini piling service provider and schedule a site survey that best suits you.
Step 2: After agreeing on the scheduled date, engineers and inspectors from your selected service provider, such as Mini Piling Essex, will arrive at your location and execute a detailed site survey, which will determine the soil state and finalise your thorough project requirements.
Step 3: The next step involves the calculation of the load that will be on top of the piles. It is calculated using the presumptions and detailed survey results. This load calculation will provide a clear view to decide on the load-bearing capacity of piles.
Step 4: After accurately calculating the load capacity, it is time to design the piles according to the calculations. These designs are made with precision and keen focus, as the weight of the whole building will be dependent on it.
Step 5: Now that all the necessary preparations are complete, you can start the drilling of boreholes for your piles according to the selected diameter and length. The drilling is performed by advanced augers, which use the latest technology to facilitate efficeint drilling of piles.
Step 6: It is time to reinforce and stabilise the borehole, which will be done through piercing fluid in the side of the hole, such as drilling fluid or grout. This fluid will provide extra support to your mini piles and reinforce them to provide strength at its fullest.
Step 7: After adding fluids to the sides the reinforcement bars that are made of iron are pushed down the borehole. These steel cages will also facilitate additional support to the pile against adjacent forces.
Step 8: Now that reinforcement bars are installed successfully it is time to fill up the borehole with concrete. The addition of concrete to the pile creates a steady bond between the pile and the surrounding soil.
Step 9: The last step includes the curing of the pile, which is considered the crucial step after the piles are successfully constructed. The proper cure of around 4 weeks will ensure maximum strength and a longer lifespan.
