About Foundation Piling
Before commencing any foundation piling work it is necessary to carry out a thorough site investigation so that all potential risk factors can be dealt with. There are several different factors which need to be taken into consideration when carrying out a site investigation and these will determine whether or not foundation piling is a suitable method to be used.
Foundation piling is an ideal option to be used on sites where ground conditions are poor. Piling is used more and more as quality construction sites are available less and less. A pile consists of a rectangular slab of concrete which contains reinforced steel bars for extra strength. Piles differ in size, depending on the type of structure they will be supporting.
The piles are driven into the ground as far as they will go and then the tops are cut off. Enough steel is exposed so that the pile can be tied to the beams. A mud-mat or layer of concrete is then laid over the piles. Around the perimeter of the site, a retaining wall needs to be built which creates a trench into which the foundations will be poured.
When this section of the work has been completed, reinforced steel is put into the site and tied in place, forming a steel cage. The concrete foundations can then be poured in to complete the process. Once the foundation concrete has dried it is ready for building the structure. This is successful foundation piling!
Standing Strong with a Retaining Wall
The implementation of a retaining wall will give the required support for a building when it is being constructed on sloping or uneven ground. A well designed retaining wall will also provide a drainage system so that water runs away from the structure and reduce hydrostatic pressure. Pairing a retaining wall with the procedure of soil nailing will reinforce the retaining wall further. Soil nailing is undertaken by drilling steel tendons into the soil and grouting them.
It is essential to undergo extensive planning when designing a retaining wall as all construction projects differ. The retaining wall needs to be substantial enough to suit the ground that it is being installed in. If the retaining wall is not designed or installed correctly then the result will be that the wall will eventually collapse. The level of pressure should be at its lowest at the top of the wall and gradually increase towards the base.
There are several different materials which retaining walls can be constructed with including stones, concrete blocks, wooden planks and logs. There are several factors which need consideration when designing a retaining wall such as its height, soil type, the angle of the slope and whether any heavy weight is going to be located near to the slope i.e. structures and/or vehicles.
Driven Piles for the Modern Age
Screw piles are the traditional method of foundation piling. However, as the construction industry and piling equipment has progressed, driven piles are now a popular alternative to screw piles. Driven piles are the ideal option for construction sites which have limited access or where the ground is particularly hard. Driven piles are a safe and cost-effective solution; they are quick and easy to install.
The method of installing driven piles is carried out using hydraulic hammers. The hydraulic hammers work by using an accelerated drop weight, along with side-mounted vibro hammers. Driven piles are available in different sizes, ranging from 457mm to 610mm. The size of the driven piles is dependent upon the size and weight of the structure, as the piles are required to support the building at the foundations.
Traditional piling methods are still widely used for tasks such as underpinning, low-displacement piling and vibration-free piling. Driven piles, however, benefit from being light-weight, require less site preparation, have high-productivity levels, are cost-effective and can be used for a wide range of ground conditions.
Finding Stability with Ground Anchors
Ground anchors provide buildings and other large structures with permanent stability. Ground anchors are installed into the soil foundations of a structure, usually via a grout body. There are numerous sorts of ground anchors available. The type of ground anchor used for each construction projects depends on certain factors, including soil quality, the surrounding environment, failure risk and construction requirements.
At MK Piling, we are experts in all matters relating to foundation piling. We only used the best and most technologically advanced piling equipment. For ground anchors, it is no different. The key aim of installing effective ground anchors into the foundations of a structure is to ensure its safety and durability, whether the ground anchors are being applied to a temporary or permanent structure.
Ground anchors are a reliable and cost-effective way of providing stability to a structure. They are a versatile option to choose as they can be used on stone and masonry structures, as well as slopes and embankments. At MK Piling, our piling experts can offer advice and answer any questions that you may have regarding ground anchors and any other type of foundation piling.