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.
Foundation Piling Experience is Essential
There numerous different methods of foundation piling and these can be used for a multitude of different applications and structures. In order for a building to be safe and secure, appropriate foundation piles need to be implemented. Think about a tree. When we see a tree, all that is visible to us is the trunk, the branches and leaves; however, deep into the ground, runs a complex system of roots which anchor the tree in place and prevent it from sliding or toppling. Buildings and other large structures work in much the same way; the roots are replaced with foundation piling.
It is crucial to the safety of a large structure that foundation piling is carried out only by a qualified piling contractor. The same applies if the piling foundations of an existing building are in need of repair. A qualified piling contractor has an in depth understanding of different pile types, piling methods and which are suitable for each project. It is more important to find a quality piling contractor rather than a cheap one. In the long-run, you will save money by spending more on foundation piling services as there will be less chance of having to pay out money on repairs after experiencing shoddy workmanship.
Advantages of Top Driven Piles
Different piles are more suitable for some jobs than others. By weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of each pile type, contractors can decide which piling types are the most suitable for their project.
Top driven piles have a long list of advantages to consider when deciding on what piles to use. Capacities can be calculated to ensure that reduced the risk of problems occurring from ground conditions. Hammer force can be adjusted endlessly without affecting the accuracy and consistency of the hammer energy. Unexpected capacity reductions by hammer energy losses are not a problem when the hammer hits any deflected piles.
Unlike bored piles, top driven piles are cured before they are delivered to the site and can be CASE tested to double their Safe Working Load (SWL) rather than having to wait until the concrete has been cured. Simulated static tests (CAPWAP) can be carried out on the system and rig. Driving resistance can be monitored continuously via a computer.
Top driven piles are not affected by any water leakages from the ground and the square-ended design means that obstructions are easily dealt with. Finally, top driven piles are manufactured in a very controlled environment which means that they completely eliminate the risk of inclusions or cavities in the concrete.
Mini Piles are the way forward
Mini piles – also known as micropiles or lightweight piles – are an alternative to other types of piles. They have been developed from older pile designs such as driven piles and screw piles. They have become a more popular choice over the years as they have advantages over driven and screw piles.
Mini piling is a reliable option which can be utilised in situation that more traditional piling methods could not cope with. Because mini piles are a lot smaller they can be placed in much smaller and confined spaces with relative ease. This means that contractors end up saving time and money because they do not have to think up or turn to expensive solutions for difficult construction projects.
Here is a quick overview of all the many benefits of using mini piles:
• They are the best option to choose when ground conditions are poor.
• There is no need for excavation or soil removal.
• An alternative to heavier piles when weight allowance is limited.
• Mini piles cause much lower levels of vibration.
• Mini piles are specialised equipment which are crucial for certain projects and circumstances.
• They generated limited noise and fumes and are therefore ideal for projects when environmental issues are a concern.
The Advantages of CFA Piling
Continuous flight auger piles (CFA piles) have become a popular choice over the last few years. CFA piles are a cheaper option than other piling alternatives but with careful planning and design, quality equipment and experienced contractors, they can be highly efficient.
CFA piles are a non-displacement pile, which means that the risk of damage to surrounding foundations and underground utilities from ground displacement or densification of sands is largely reduced. Damage is much more common when using displacement piles.
Installation of CFA piles can be carried out with limited noise and vibration. If any problems are encountered during implementation of the CFA piles, then it is a relatively straight forward process to re-drill the foundations and reinstall the pile. The pile group or caps, therefore, do not need to be redesigned.
Different elements of the CFA pile installation process can be monitored using a flow meter. Data that can be recorded includes penetration / uplift per revolution, auger depth, concrete supply per increment of auger uplift during placing, and injection pressure at the auger head.
The work of a Piling Contractor
Anyone who is looking to construct a new building or renovate an existing building will have to look to a piling contractor to complete any foundation work that is needed. Certain measures need to be implemented to ensure that the structure is secure and will not move or collapse. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the inner workings of a construction project will not fully comprehend the importance of the work of a piling contractor. It is quite overwhelming to see the extensive network of beams, base foundations and posts that ensure the stability of a building.
The main areas of work for a piling contractor are making groundwork measurements, including building depth and width calculations. They will also excavate holes, deep into the ground using backhoes and drilling machinery which the weight of the building will rest on. Piling contractors also carry out the process of piling, which involves driving piles into the holes, creating enclosed sections for the concrete foundations. For larger structures, steel and pouring concrete are layered up for increased strength and durability.
Piling is the most crucial part of construction work, as without it, buildings would collapse. Piling contractors work alongside a range of engineers, including structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, area contractors, construction foremen, and site fitters to make sure that all areas of the construction process are covered and are problem-free.
Choosing the right Piling Specialists
Whenever there is a new building project, the expertise if a piling specialist is required. However small, large, high or low a structure is, it needs to be supported at the foundations. Construction piling is the method used to strengthen the foundations of a building so that it will not move or collapse. Piling needs to be carried out in a way that ensures the foundations will last or the structure could be a serious hazard.
Piling is not just one fix-all solution; there are several different methods to choose on depending on some key factors, including the size and height of the building and the nature and condition of the surrounding soil. Driven piles and drilled piles are two such possibilities. This is why it is so important to find a qualified piling specialist to carry out the work and all necessary assessments of the site. There are also different safety and security needs depending on whether a building is a commercial, industrial or domestic project.
At MK Piling we have many years of piling experience and work closely with structural engineers, architects and building contractors to offer a piling service that is unmatched by anyone else. The combination of our in depth knowledge and use of advanced piling technology; means that we are the ideal choice for your construction project.
Foundation Piling Methods
Piling is mainly used for the construction of properties in order to strengthen the foundations around the structure. Properties are built to last so it is important to create a stable base for the building to rest on. The basic idea of foundation piling is to wall in piles which have been stacked up, to create a solid foundation.
Piles are usually made from reinforced concrete and pre-tensioned concrete. However, this has not always been the case, as previously piles were made from wood and other natural materials.
Driven piles tend to be made from concrete, although there are cases of wood or steel being used instead. Driven piles are a versatile solution to foundation piling as they can be adapted to suit properties of all different types. They can be placed in different shapes, including squares, octagons and rounded cross sections. Extra support is given by the piles being reinforced and being made pre-stressed concrete.
Bored piling is used to create piled walls, which are particularly useful for vertical basement excavation faces and water holding constructions. Small gaps need to be left between the piles, the size of which will depend on the condition of the soil. The features of the construction ground and the nature of the job will influence the type of piled wall that is built.
Pile Testing
Piling is an integral part of the building construction process and it is vitally important to make sure that the process of pile testing is always carried out. There are several different reasons why pile testing is so important. Firstly, pile testing leads to the design of other piles using back-figured soil data.
Construction projects can differ in size. This means that the required foundation piles are not always going to be the same size. Pile testing allows contractors to ascertain how large or small the piles will need to before they start work.
Pile testing is an assessment on how much weight can be supported effectively by the foundation piles. It ensures that the foundations of the building are safe and will not move or collapse.
Pile testing is does not take much time to complete which makes it cost-effective. There are four different tests which can be carried out as pile testing; these are the compression test, uplift test, lateral-load test and torsion-load test. The most commonly used test loading procedures are constant rate or penetration (CRP) and the maintained load test (MLT).
Concrete Pile Foundations create Stable Structures
Concrete piles are used to make sure that a foundation is deep enough, by being driven into the ground. The concrete piles connect to the footers of the foundation, so for some construction projects, many concrete piles are used. The concrete piles also maintain the stability of the building or structure by distributing the weight of it, once construction has been completed.
Deep concrete piling foundations are needed for a variety of different uses. If the building being constructed is on a large scale, then a deep foundation is crucial to ensure optimum stability. Deep piling is also required if the condition of the soil is poor, as it will be unable to support the weight of a building or structure so it is anchored to a bedrock as an alternative.
Concrete pile foundations can be installed using two different methods. The first option is to drill and cast the concrete pile on site. The other choice is by driving a pre-formed pile into the ground, using reinforced, pre-stressed or precast concrete.
Concrete piles are not only used for deep foundations; they can also be used to reinforce walls, temporarily or permanently. Concrete piles can also provide support for levees and other structures which could collapse.